B1
Idioms
Portuguese Expressions with Matar
The Portuguese verb matar literally means “to kill,” but like many common verbs, it appears in a wide range of idiomatic expressions…
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Articles on learning European Portuguese
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How Passive Listening Can Boost Your Language Learning
Learning a new language can feel overwhelming, especially at the start. One powerful yet often underrated tool is passive listening—the art of…
Pronunciationconsonantsnasal sounds
How to pronounce M in Portuguese
In European Portuguese, the letter M can produce two distinct sounds: [m] or [ŋ]. Let’s break this down: Companion read Related Articles…
Tips & Tricksother tips
Automatic Language Growth: Origins, Strengths, and Shortcomings
Automatic Language Growth (ALG) is a method of language acquisition that emphasizes natural, effortless learning through exposure and interaction, rather than relying…
B1
Pronounsobject pronouns
Tonic Object Pronouns in Portuguese: Mim, Ti, Si, and More
A solid understanding of Portuguese tonic object pronouns enhances natural and fluent speech. These pronouns follow prepositions and emphasize the object of…
Tips & Tricksresources
Are Language-Learning Apps Like Duolingo Worth It?
Language-learning apps like Duolingo and Babbel have transformed how we acquire new languages. With millions of users worldwide, these platforms promise bite-sized,…
A2
Verbsauxiliary verbs
Common Auxiliary Verbs in Portuguese
Have you ever struggled to determine whether an auxiliary verb should be followed by ‘a’ or not? For example, many students say…
B1
Verbscompound tenses
Portuguese Past Perfect: Pretérito Mais-que-Perfeito
The Portuguese equivalent of the English Past Perfect is called Pretérito Mais-que-Perfeito, and it’s used to express an action that happened in…
Pronunciationdiphthongsnasal soundsOther topicsplurals
Plural Endings to Portuguese Nouns Ending in -ão
Nouns ending in the nasal diphthong ‘-ão’ are quite common in Portuguese. While one might assume these nouns form their plural by…
B1
Pronounsindefinite pronouns
Difference Between Tudo and Todo in Portuguese
What’s the difference between tudo and todo/toda/todos/todas? These are all indefinite pronouns often translated as “all” in English, though tudo is more…
A2
Other topicsadverbs
Mass vs Count Nouns in Portuguese
What are the Portuguese equivalents of “much” vs “many” and “little” vs “few”? To answer this question, it’s essential to understand the…
A2
Pronounsindefinite pronouns
Double Negation in Portuguese
In Portuguese, like in other Romance languages, double negation is a very common feature. What is double negation? Double negation occurs when…
Pronunciationconsonants
Rhotic Sounds in European Portuguese
Rhotic sounds, often referred to as ‘r’ sounds, are a defining feature of European Portuguese pronunciation. In short, in European Portuguese, the…
B1
Verbscompound tensesp. perfeito
Pretérito Perfeito Simples vs Composto in Portuguese
In short, the Pretérito Perfeito Simples is used to describe complete actions, whereas the Pretérito Perfeito Composto (also known as the Preterite) conveys an ongoing temporal quality, particularly when something…
A2+
Pronounsobject pronounspronoun placementreflexive pronouns
Portuguese Verb-Pronoun Placement
You have probably noticed that when using reflexive verbs, the reflexive pronoun placement varies – sometimes comes after the verb, sometimes precedes…
A2
Prepositionsaa vs emem
Using Portuguese Prepositions ‘A’ and ‘Em’ with Time: Routine vs. One-Off Events
Portuguese prepositions can take on different roles depending on the context. For example, “a” is primarily a preposition of movement, while “em”…
B1
Pronounsindefinite pronouns
Portuguese Indefinite Pronouns
A good grasp of Portuguese pronouns is a key step toward building fluent, natural sentences and today we’re focusing on indefinite pronouns….
A2
Prepositionsde vs em
Prepositions ‘De’ vs ‘Em’ in Portuguese (Mode of Transport)
In Portuguese, ‘de’ is used for general references to the mode of transport, while ’em’ is used for specific instances. Remember, ‘de’…
