“Embaraçada” isn't pregnant and “propina” is a bribe. Key false friends, survival phrases and where to learn Portuguese in Rio.
4–6 months
to converse, for Spanish speakers
9–12 months
what it takes an English speaker
From R$23/h
school classes in Rio
Free
weekly language exchanges
Spanish speakers can read a surprising amount of Portuguese from day one. The catch: portuñol is full of traps—words that look almost identical but mean something else (false friends)—and pronunciation changes a lot, especially in Rio.
Here are the false friends that cause the most confusion, survival phrases with approximate pronunciation, a quiz and options for studying in Rio.
Tap each card
False friends: words that betray you
The front shows the Portuguese word. Flip it to see what it really means.
↻ Tap to flip
Survival phrases with pronunciation
Tap the audio icon to hear them
Pronunciation is spelled the way a Spanish speaker would read it. Capitalized syllables are stressed.
Oi, tudo bem?
/OI, TU-du bẽi/
Hi, how are you?
Tudo bom, e você?
/TU-du bõ, i vo-SÊ/
All good, and you?
Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite
/bõ YÍ-a / BO-a TAR-yi / BO-a NOI-chi/
Good morning / afternoon / evening
5 sounds that change everything
Initial “r” and “rr” sound like an “h”
Rio sounds like “HEE-oo”, carro like “KAH-hoo”.
“ti” and “di” become “chee” and “jee”
Noite = “NOY-chee”, dia = “JEE-ah”. Final “e” sounds like “ee”.
Final “o” sounds like “oo”
Obrigado = “oh-bree-GAH-doo”.
“lh” = “ly” and “nh” = “ny”
Trabalho = “trah-BAH-lyoo”, caipirinha = “kai-pee-REEN-yah”.
The carioca “s” sounds like “sh”
In Rio, an “s” at the end of a syllable turns into “sh”: mais = “maish”. It's the signature carioca accent.
Quiz: would you fall for a false friend?
You want to compliment your meal. What do you say?
How long does it take to learn Portuguese?
Week 1: survival
Greetings, numbers, ordering and paying.
1 week
Months 1–2: understanding
You read most things and follow basic speech. Focus on pronunciation and false friends.
1–2 months
Months 4–6: conversation
Spanish speakers usually reach conversational level in 4–6 months; English speakers take 9–12.
4–6 months
Free: FSI course
The US FSI “From Spanish to Portuguese” course is free and designed for Spanish speakers.
Where to study Portuguese in Rio
Caminhos (Ipanema)
From R$23/h
Non-profit with 20 h/week intensives; fees support social projects.
Rio & Learn (Copacabana)
R$1,280/week (1 wk) to R$704 (16+ wks)
Large school with leveled groups and cultural activities. Private lessons R$108–154/h.
Private tutor
≈ R$108–154/h via schools
Ideal to polish pronunciation once you already understand a lot.
FSI course (online)
Free
“From Spanish to Portuguese”: audio lessons for Spanish speakers.
Free language exchanges
Mundo Lingo — Thursdays 7 pm
Bukowski bar, Botafogo. Flag stickers show who speaks what.
Bar do B — Tuesdays 7 pm
Largo do Machado. Laid-back bar vibe.
Rio Speaks English — Saturdays
Travessa Botafogo. Locals practice English, you practice Portuguese.
Apps that actually help
- Duolingo: build a daily habit.
- Tandem or HelloTalk: chat with Brazilians learning your language.
- Google Translate with Portuguese downloaded: the camera translates menus offline.
- Music and shows: bossa nova, samba and Brazilian series with Portuguese subtitles train your ear.
Frequently asked questions
Many understand a fair amount of slow Spanish, especially in tourist areas.
Portuguese crash lesson + tour
Learn the basics with a carioca guide while you explore: ordering at a boteco, beach haggling and slang. Custom, request it on WhatsApp.
Practice your Portuguese on these tours
Guide, transfers included, pay by international card or Pix.
1 Full Day in Rio
Full day complete tour of Rio's main tourist attractions: Sugarloaf Mountain, Historic Center, Selarón, São Bento and Christ the Redeemer.
Christ the Redeemer Tour
Ascend to Christ the Redeemer on the historic Corcovado Train and enjoy the most breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro.
Recommended tours for this guide
Book online with a local guide, a fixed price and payment by international card or Pix.
1 Full Day in Rio
Full day complete tour of Rio's main tourist attractions: Sugarloaf Mountain, Historic Center, Selarón, São Bento and Christ the Redeemer.
Christ the Redeemer Tour
Ascend to Christ the Redeemer on the historic Corcovado Train and enjoy the most breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro.
