Olá
Pronunciation: oh-LAH
Meaning: Hello
A neutral greeting.
European Portuguese in local context
Lisbon local language guide
European Portuguese for Lisbon with pronunciation, courtesy, cafés, transport, and local usage notes. Learn what expressions mean, how they sound, when they are useful, and when plain respectful language is better.
12 practical expressions
Bom dia
Pronunciation: bohm DEE-ah
Meaning: Good morning
Used before midday.
Boa tarde
Pronunciation: BOH-ah TAR-deh
Meaning: Good afternoon
Used later in the day.
Obrigado / Obrigada
Pronunciation: oh-bree-GAH-doo / dah
Meaning: Thank you
Form traditionally agrees with the speaker.
Por favor
Pronunciation: poor fah-VOR
Meaning: Please
A standard polite marker.
Desculpe
Pronunciation: desh-KOOL-peh
Meaning: Excuse me / sorry
Useful for apologies and attention.
Quanto custa?
Pronunciation: KWAN-too KOOSH-tah
Meaning: How much does it cost?
Useful in shops.
Onde fica o metro?
Pronunciation: ON-deh FEE-kah oo MEH-troo
Meaning: Where is the metro?
A location question.
Pode ajudar-me?
Pronunciation: POH-deh ah-zhoo-DAR-meh
Meaning: Can you help me?
A polite request.
Uma bica, por favor
Pronunciation: OO-mah BEE-kah poor fah-VOR
Meaning: An espresso, please
A common Lisbon café order.
A conta, por favor
Pronunciation: ah KON-tah poor fah-VOR
Meaning: The bill, please
Used in restaurants.
Fala inglês?
Pronunciation: FAH-lah een-GLAYSH
Meaning: Do you speak English?
A direct but polite question.
Explore the Lisbon topic cluster
Usage and pronunciation note
Pronunciation varies by speaker, neighbourhood, age, and situation. Browser voice is an orientation aid, not proof of one correct local accent. Listen to complete phrases and avoid performing identity-marked speech for effect.
Editorial approach
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