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1. Listen without the transcript

Start listening without the transcript (the auto-scroll window is hidden by default). Aim to listen a couple of times through. If the audio is far beyond your current level and you struggle to understand it, consider reading the English translation first (click/tap the bar below the player). This will give you the gist of the audio piece. Then, go back and listen to the audio again.

You can also use the audio to work on your pronunciation. Put meaning aside and concentrate solely on the sounds. Shadow the speaker, mimicking their sounds, rhythm, and intonation as closely as possible. If you encounter sounds that trip you up, pause and work on mastering them. As you try to replicate the sounds, pay close attention to how your lips, jaw, and tongue move. The more aware you become of these physicalities, the easier it will be to produce the sounds correctly.

2. Turn on the transcript auto-scroll

Now with the text in front of you, you can fill in the gaps. Don’t rush to look up new words in the dictionary or look inside the English translation. Instead, try to figure out their meaning from the context as this leads to better word retention. On the other hand, use the English translation to help you figure out idiomatic expressions.

Pro tip! In the transcript auto-scroll window, tap or click any line of text to skip the audio to that point.

3. Listen one last time without the transcript

Take a short break before this final step. Listen to the audio one final time. Everything should sound clearer now. Don’t forget to celebrate the progress you’ve just made. Parabéns!

Sharpen Your Ears and Expand Your Portuguese Across All Topics

From basic dialogues to popular Portuguese sayings, news excerpts, and podcast clips, Drills are diverse audio clips suited for all levels. Each Drill includes rolling captions you can turn on/off, adjustable playback speeds, and a full transcript with English translation.

To get the most out of Drills, try these steps:

  1. Listen Without the Transcript: Start by listening a couple of times without captions. If it feels too challenging, skim the English translation first, then listen again. Mimic the speaker’s sounds, rhythm, and intonation to practice pronunciation—paying attention to how your lips, jaw, and tongue move.
  2. Use Rolling Captions with Auto-Scroll: Turn on the rolling captions and use the text to fill in any gaps. Try deducing new words from context before looking them up. For idiomatic expressions, check the English translation.
  3. Listen Again Without the Transcript: Take a short break, then listen one last time without the transcript. You’ll notice it sounds clearer now. Celebrate your progress—Parabéns!

You don’t have to follow these steps exactly, but they’re a great way to get more from your practice.

New Drills are usually released twice a week, and there’s already a great selection waiting for you. So, ready to give Drills a go?

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Favorite color? There’s no such thing.

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Transcript/Translation

PT

Francisco
Manuela, qual é a tua cor favorita?

Manuela
Mm, não tenho só uma cor favorita. Depende muito da situação.

Francisco
Como assim?

Manuela
Por exemplo, em termos de roupa, gosto de usar cores garridas como o amarelo ou o cor de laranja. Acho que essas cores me fazem sentir mais alegre e confiante. Mas se falarmos de carros, prefiro cores discretas, como o cinzento ou o marinho. Acho que são mais elegantes e também não passam de moda.

Francisco
Olha, realmente tens razão. Nunca tinha pensado nisso. Eu, por exemplo, gosto muito do preto de uma forma geral, mas dentro de casa prefiro tons claros porque dão mais luz e isso anima-me o espírito. 

Manuela
Exato. As cores influenciam o nosso estado de espírito e a forma como nos sentimos.

Francisco
Agora reconheço que a pergunta “qual é a tua cor favorita?” é um pouco redutora. 

Manuela
Um pouco é favor…

EN

Francisco
Manuela, what’s your favorite color?

Manuela
Mm, I don’t have just one favorite color. It depends a lot on the situation.

Francisco
What do you mean?

Manuela
For example, in terms of clothes, I like to wear bright colors like yellow or orange. I think these colors make me feel more cheerful and confident. But when it comes to cars, I prefer discreet colors like grey or navy. I think they’re more elegant and they don’t go out of fashion either.

Francisco
Yes, you’re right. I’d never thought of that. I, for example, like black a lot in general, but indoors I prefer be surrounded by light tones because they give me more light and that lifts my spirits.

Manuela
Exactly. Colors influence our mood and the way we feel.

Francisco
Now I recognize that the question “what’s your favorite color?” is a bit reductive.

Manuela
To say the least…

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