Portuguese Words and Phrases

[Exec Talent]

Hi,

I've been studying Portuguese for only a short time. My listening comprehension is not there yet and I'm terrified to have a phone conversation in Portuguese. But I can't find a good reference in what to say to reserve a girl (in a prive or terma) over the phone. How does that conversation go? Can anyone come up with an example?

Also I would like to know how to ask for a room with a bed. I really dislike the massage table in the prives.

Thank you.

You asked an excellent question and were given some really good advice in befriending the doorman. Just going for it is plain ridiculous.

Even after I learned Portuguese reasonably well, I was still nervous when I needed to communicate by phone. One wrong word or mispronunciation and the conversation goes downhill. There is not the use of hand gestures, facial expressions or the give and take of a face-to-face conversation.

If you are planning a trip to Rio one of the best investments you can make is better quality chocolate bars. If you are staying at an apartment, introduce yourself to the doorman and hand him a bar. Pay close attention to his name and say it back to him, smiling and looking at him. If they help me with luggage, I give them 5-10 Reais. Same goes with staying at a girl friendly hotel. Get to know the receptionists and bellmen. I often stop by places I have stayed before just to say Hello,. Being a jerk, as with most places in the world, gets you nowhere, but especially in Brazil. Being the nice gringo pays dividends over and over again. Respect the country, respect the culture, respect the women.

[Mr Enternational]

Hi,

I've been studying Portuguese for only a short time. My listening comprehension is not there yet and I'm terrified to have a phone conversation in Portuguese.

And it will stay that way and you will be forever terrified if you never do it. You got to jump in the pool to swim. All you can do is call and practice. Everybody had a first time and I doubt that anyone's was perfect.

[Jan 156]

From my personal experience in Brazil (mostly in Sao Paulo, Porto Alegre and Florianopolis) the term that is used more frequently is pau.

I've nearly always used pinto. Or naturally if I am jokingly giving it the macho touch, pintão! (Fantasy is a great thing.).

[Jan 156]

Hi,

I've been studying Portuguese for only a short time. My listening comprehension is not there yet and I'm terrified to have a phone conversation in Portuguese. But I can't find a good reference in what to say to reserve a girl (in a prive or terma) over the phone. How does that conversation go? Can anyone come up with an example?

Also I would like to know how to ask for a room with a bed. I really dislike the massage table in the prives.

Thank you.

Lots of prives do have beds. Phoning private ads in the newspaper can be hit and miss. She might understand you but then talk very quickly which can be harder going. If staying in apartment it's sometimes possible to get the security clerk (the guy at the bottom of the stairs who sits doing nothing all day) to phone for you. A few cans of beer or a late night x-tudo can be a good form of thanks.

[Black43]

Hi,

I've been studying Portuguese for only a short time. My listening comprehension is not there yet and I'm terrified to have a phone conversation in Portuguese. But I can't find a good reference in what to say to reserve a girl (in a prive or terma) over the phone. How does that conversation go? Can anyone come up with an example?

Also I would like to know how to ask for a room with a bed. I really dislike the massage table in the prives.

Thank you.

[Java Man]

How do you say someone does not have "Common Sense" in portugese?

Senso comum, juizo, or sensato: nao tem senso comum.

http://www.linguee.com/english-portu...mon+sense.html

[Bravo]

How do you say someone does not have "Common Sense" in portugese?

I know "Educacao" is similar, but I think that is more in terms of "they are ignorant or had no home training" Not necessarily what I am trying to say.

[Ricker]

How do you say "Sneaky" in portugese? Like "Your sister is a very sneaky / conniving person!

In spanish I've always heard and used "tramposo".

In portuguese I've been told, "trapaceiro", meaning a cheat or bilker / con man.

[Exec Talent]

I have heard the term "BOCA ESPERTA" many times. I think it means to call someone a smart ass. But I don't know what to use to describe a conniving ot sneaky individual.

My Brazilian sources tell me sorrateiro. If you are talking about someone who goes behind another persons back while appearing to be their friend most Brazilians use the term falso. Personally, I like the word clandestino to describe someone who does not do things out in the open.

[Bravo]

The closest thing that comes to my mind is 'Esperta'. Although it literally word means clever / intelligent, the word is commonly used to portray somebody who is trying to outsmart another person to do something for him / her.

I have heard the term "BOCA ESPERTA" many times. I think it means to call someone a smart ass. But I don't know what to use to describe a conniving ot sneaky individual.

[Tiradentes]

How do you say "Sneaky" in portugese? Like "Your sister is a very sneaky / conniving person!

The closest thing that comes to my mind is 'Esperta'. Although it literally word means clever / intelligent, the word is commonly used to portray somebody who is trying to outsmart another person to do something for him / her.

[Bravo]

How do you say "Sneaky" in portugese? Like "Your sister is a very sneaky / conniving person!

[AltoBomGosto]

That's right, xana. BTW it's on the list.

TD, "pinto" would be used by a kid, not an adult. You don't tell a GP "Chupe meu pinto!" BTW, pinto is also a "chicken kid" or "(I) paint".

Caralho is another commun word.

[Albert Punter]

I have heard both used but pau is most common.

I agree. Pau, pica or piroca.

[Sperto]

From my personal experience in Brazil (mostly in Sao Paulo, Porto Alegre and Florianopolis) the term that is used more frequently is pau.

I agree. Pau, pica or piroca.