What does "então" mean in Portuguese? One word, five meanings
"Então?" can mean hi, so what happened, hurry up, what's going on, or just "then". How to tell which one you're hearing.
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Short, practical posts about European Portuguese and the everyday situations you'll meet in Portugal.
What does "é já ali" mean? Asking for directions in Portugal
You ask a local for directions and hear "é já ali", it's just over there. Here's what that really means, and what to expect on the way.
How to say "you're welcome" in Portuguese like a local
"De nada" is fine. "Não tem de quê" is better. "Ora essa!" is local level. Three ways to say you're welcome in European Portuguese.
How to ask for the bill in Portugal ("A conta, se faz favor")
You finished lunch 40 minutes ago and the bill still hasn't come. It won't, until you ask. Here's how to ask for the bill in European Portuguese.
What does "já vou" mean in Portugal? (It's not right now)
You wave at the waiter and hear "já vou!". It means "coming right now", but not quite the way you think. How restaurant timing works in Portugal.
What does "tá-se bem" mean? Portuguese slang for "all good"
"Tá-se bem" is the relaxed Portuguese answer to almost anything. What it means, how to say it, and where not to use it.
What does "pode ser" mean in Portuguese? (Yes, maybe or no)
You invite a Portuguese friend and they answer "pode ser". Two words, three possible answers. Here's how to tell them apart.
What is a bica? How to order coffee in Lisbon like a local
Week 1 you ask for "um café expresso". By month 6 it's "uma bica". What a bica is, how to say it, and what to order in Porto instead.