Essential phrases include:
- Hello: Ola (OH-lah)
- Good morning: Bom dia (bom DEE-ah)
- Good afternoon/evening: Boa tarde (BOH-ah TARD)
- Good night: Boa noite (BOH-ah NOYT)
- Please: Por favor (por fah-VOR)
- Thank you: Obrigado (men) / Obrigada (women) (oh-bree-GAH-doo/dah)
- Excuse me: Desculpe (desh-KOOL-peh)
- I don't understand: Nao entendo (now en-TEN-doo)
- Do you speak English?: Fala ingles? (FAH-lah een-GLESH)
- The bill, please: A conta, por favor (ah KON-tah por fah-VOR)
- Cheers: Saude (sah-OOD)
Portuguese pronunciation includes nasal sounds indicated by tildes (~) and vowels that reduce or disappear in speech. Do not worry about perfection; any attempt will be appreciated, and people will happily switch to English if needed.
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