From ‘Olá’ to ‘Obrigado’: Why You Should Get a European Portuguese Phrasebook

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Last updated on September 23, 2024

Whether you’re planning a move to Portugal or just visiting, having a good European Portuguese phrasebook can be invaluable. This guide will help you choose the best phrasebook for your needs and get you started on your Portuguese language journey.

Why Use a Portuguese Phrasebook?

Phrasebooks are excellent tools for beginners because:

  1. They provide essential phrases for common situations.
  2. They help you get started with basic communication quickly.
  3. They’re useful for memorizing key phrases for stores, public transport, and social interactions.

However, while phrasebooks are great for getting started, they shouldn’t be your only resource for learning Portuguese. Consider supplementing your phrasebook with a comprehensive language course for a more thorough understanding of the language.

Practice Portuguese is great for this as it’s one of the most affordable courses covering European Portuguese.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Phrasebook

When selecting a European Portuguese phrasebook, keep these factors in mind:

  1. Focus on European Portuguese: Ensure the phrasebook specifically covers European Portuguese, not Brazilian Portuguese.
  2. Topic Coverage: Look for a wide range of topics including greetings, dining, transportation, emergencies, and cultural norms.
  3. Pronunciation Guides: Choose a phrasebook with clear pronunciation guides, ideally with audio resources.
  4. Cultural Notes: Opt for books that include cultural insights to help you avoid faux pas.
  5. Format and Portability: Decide whether you prefer a physical book or a digital app.
  6. Grammar Explanations: Some phrasebooks include basic grammar explanations, which can be helpful.
  7. Organization: Look for phrases organized by situation or theme for easy reference.
  8. Mini-Dictionary: A built-in mini-dictionary can be useful for looking up individual words.
  9. Practice Exercises: Some phrasebooks include exercises or quizzes to reinforce learning.
  10. Up-to-date Content: Check when the phrasebook was last revised to ensure current language usage.

Recommended European Portuguese Phrasebooks

Here are some top choices for European Portuguese phrasebooks:

  1. Rough Guide Phrasebook: Portuguese
    • Includes audio downloads
    • Covers over 5,000 words and phrases
    • Available in paperback
  2. 50 Languages – English: European Portuguese
    • Free app, web app, or MP3s
    • Covers essential travel phrases
    • Includes a supporting Memrise course
  3. Lonely Planet Portuguese Phrasebook & Dictionary
    • Contains a 3500-word two-way dictionary
    • Covers common situations and emergencies
    • Available in paperback (no audio component)
  4. Collins Gem Portuguese Phrasebook and Dictionary
    • Pocket-sized for convenience
    • Includes a menu translator
    • Available in paperback (no audio component)
  5. DK Portuguese Phrasebook
    • Includes a 70-minute audio CD
    • Covers essential phrases for various situations
    • Available in paperback
  6. Rick Steves’ Portuguese Phrase Book and Dictionary
    • Focuses on common travel situations
    • Includes a small Portuguese-English dictionary
    • Available in paperback (no audio component)

Digital Options

For those who prefer digital resources:

  • Practice Portuguese: While not strictly a phrasebook, this app is highly recommended for learning European Portuguese. It’s more affordable than many courses and includes an audio component.
  • 50 Languages App: Offers a free app version of their phrasebook.
  • Collins Easy Learning Portuguese Audio Course: A 3-hour audio course covering essential phrases.
  • Rapid Portuguese (European): An unusual audio course that combines lessons with background music.

Conclusion

Choosing the right European Portuguese phrasebook depends on your specific needs and learning style. Consider factors like audio components, portability, and depth of content when making your selection. Remember that while phrasebooks are excellent starting points, combining them with more comprehensive language learning resources will give you a more rounded understanding of Portuguese.

Whether you opt for a physical book or a digital app, the key is to practice regularly and immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. Boa sorte (Good luck) with your Portuguese language journey!

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