Moving or visiting Lisbon? This is how to prep your European Portuguese

If you are moving to Lisbon or visiting for more than a few days, learning a bit of European Portuguese helps more than people expect.

Start with pronunciation. European Portuguese sounds very different from Brazilian Portuguese and is more closed and fast. Even learning how locals say basic words like 'bom dia', 'obrigado' and 'por favor' will make interactions smoother. Listening matters more than perfect grammar at this stage.

Focus on practical phrases, not full sentences. Learn how to order coffee and food, ask for the bill, greet people, say thank you, and handle simple questions like “Do you speak English?”. This covers most daily situations and gives you confidence quickly.

Use resources that are clearly European Portuguese. Many popular apps default to Brazilian Portuguese, which can confuse beginners. Look for Portugal-specific courses, YouTube channels, or podcasts so your ear adjusts to the Lisbon accent from the start.

Practice in real life as soon as possible. Use Portuguese at cafés, bakeries, and small shops, even if it’s just one word. Most people will switch to English if they see you struggle, but starting in Portuguese is appreciated.

Do not worry about making mistakes. Locals do not expect fluency and are usually patient if you try. A few basic words go a long way in daily life here.

If you already live in Lisbon: what was the first Portuguese word or phrase you actually used every day?