Hospital: A Friendly Cognate Across Languages
The word 'hospital' is a friendly entry point for learners of Portuguese — but the pronunciation isn’t what you might expect.
Articles
Life in Lusophone: Chronicles of a Portuguese Enthusiast.
Why It’s OK to Sound Like a Beginner in Portuguese
Worried about sounding silly when you speak Portuguese? Here’s why it’s perfectly OK — and how embracing it will help you improve faster.
Puxe vs. Push: The Door Sign That Tricks Everyone
Think 'puxe' means push? Think again — it actually means pull. Learn this essential false friend before your next door mishap.
How to Practise Portuguese When You Live Outside Portugal
Don’t live in Portugal? No problem. Here are practical ways to keep learning and practising Portuguese from anywhere in the world.
Animal: The False Sense of Security
The word 'animal' is a classic cognate, but don't assume it sounds the same in Portuguese. Here's how to pronounce it correctly.
Top Mistakes English Speakers Make When Learning Portuguese
Learning Portuguese? Watch out for these common mistakes English speakers often make — and learn how to fix them.
Pasta: It’s Not What You Think
Think 'pasta' means spaghetti in Portuguese? Think again. Here's what it really means and how to avoid confusion.
Why Listening Is the Secret Weapon for Portuguese Learners
If you want to make real progress in Portuguese, listening should be your top priority. Here's why it's so powerful and how to make it part of your routine.
Hotel: Same Word, Different Sound
The word 'hotel' is instantly recognisable in Portuguese, but the pronunciation is very different from English. Here’s how to get it right.
How to Make Portuguese Part of Your Daily Life (Even If You’re Busy)
You don’t need hours a day to learn Portuguese. Here are simple, effective ways to make the language part of your life—even if you’re short on time.
Why Portuguese Feels Familiar: A Head Start for Romance and Latin Learners
If you've studied Spanish, French, Italian, Romanian, or even a bit of Latin, you may already have a head start in Portuguese. Find out why the language feels familiar and how to use this to your advantage.
Understanding Native Portuguese Speakers: Why It’s So Hard (and How to Get Better)
Why is European Portuguese so hard to understand when natives speak? Here's what's going on—and how to improve your listening skills.