Portuguese pronunciation for English speakers

Portuguese sounds softer than its spelling suggests. Brazilian and European Portuguese differ, so ask your partner which one they speak. These tips apply to both unless noted.

Nasal vowels

Words like "não", "mãe" and "bom" use nasal vowels. Air goes through your nose. The n or m is not said in full. Hold your nose and say "bom". The sound should change.

Lh and nh

"lh" is like the "lli" in "million", as in "filho". "nh" is like the "ny" in "canyon", as in "vinho". Each is one smooth sound.

The r

At the start of a word and for rr, the r is strong. Depending on region, it is made in the throat or rolled. Between vowels it is one quick tap, as in "caro". Ask your partner how they say it.

The s

Between vowels, s sounds like z: "casa". At the end of a syllable, it often sounds like "sh": "português". This is common in Portugal and parts of Brazil. Listen to your partner and copy them.

Reduced vowels in Portugal

In European Portuguese, unstressed vowels are short and often barely heard. "Obrigado" can sound like "brigado". This is why Portuguese can feel fast. Brazilian speech keeps more of the vowels.

How to practise

• Learn new words by sound first.
• Record yourself and compare with a native speaker.
• Ask your partner to say a word slowly, then at normal speed.

A native speaker will hear what you miss. See how to find a language partner, or Portuguese on Nearly Fluent.