Thursday, September 15, 2011

A smile may be universal but speaking Portuguese... is another story!

We leave for Brazil in a few days where the native language is Portuguese and have I learned any Portuguese in preparation for the trip?  Não.  Well, ok, so I know how to say "no" and that's it.  I guess that's a start.  I was surprised to learn that Portuguese is the fifth most spoken language in the world.  Another reason to learn it!

So here goes my "Ashley learns Portuguese" effort at t-4 days before our plane takes off.  Anyway, in an effort to learn a few phrases (and in case you're at all curious) I'm going to share my new found knowledge with you.

Hi - Oi!
How are you? - Como vai?
Fine, thank you - Bem, obrigado (male), obrigada (female)
You are welcome - De nada
Good morning - Bom dia!
Good afternoon - Boa tarde!
Good evening/night - Boa noite!
Please - Por favor
Sorry - Desculpe
Excuse me - Dá licença
My name is... - Meu nome é... 
It is a pleasure to meet you - Prazer
Where is the rest room? - Onde é o banheiro?
Do you speak English?  - Você fala Inglês 
God is great - Deus é grande.
I am engaged - Estou engajado (I'm learning that one mostly for my fiance's peace of mind since my engagement ring will be staying in the U.S. during the trip)

This is a great list of 16 phrases that will have me well on my way communicating in Brazil.  Or atleast I can say please and thank you - those two simple phrases can go a long way!

Boa noite!

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