Learning Portuguese can be difficult for several reasons. First of all, Portuguese is a Latin language, but it has grammatical and phonetic characteristics that make it different from other Latin languages such as Spanish or French. Portuguese has many sounds that can be difficult for beginners to master, both when listening and when speaking. To help you with this exciting project, I am Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, and I’m sharing my 9 tips to learn Portuguese easily in 2026.
Find a Good Learning Method
There are many ways to learn Portuguese, such as taking online or in-person classes, using grammar books, or language learning apps. Finding the method that suits you best and allows you to progress at your own pace is an essential factor for successful learning.
However, it must be acknowledged that Portuguese is not an easy language to access. New words, new pronunciation — many newcomers give up because it feels too difficult, which can negatively impact their experience when settling into a new country.
The Olá Quest mobile app allows you to learn European Portuguese, unlike many other apps that offer Brazilian Portuguese. You can try it for free.
Olá Quest also includes:
a built-in translator and verb conjugator;
an illustrated “expression of the day” with native audio;
real-time local weather;
collectible cultural cards to discover Portugal;
rankings, quests and statistics to track your progress smoothly.
To sum up:
👉 The essential app for any expat who truly wants to understand, speak and use European Portuguese.
Download:
iOS – https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/ol%C3%A1-quest/id6751541936
Android – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.lisbob.olaquest
Practice Regularly
To retain what you have learned and improve, it is important to practice regularly. Do grammar, vocabulary and conjugation exercises, and try to speak Portuguese with native speakers or with others who are also learning the language as often as possible.
The more immersed you are in Portuguese, the easier it will become to understand and reproduce it.
Listen to Music and Watch Films in Portuguese
This may sound like a basic tip, but it is very effective. Listening to music and watching films in Portuguese is a fun way to learn the language while discovering Portuguese culture.
Whether it’s fado, rap or popular music, there are many artists you can listen to who will help you improve your Portuguese.
In addition, even though Portugal is a small country, it has a well-developed film industry with many Portuguese-language productions available on both small and big screens.
Practice Reading and Writing
Reading and writing in Portuguese can help you better understand grammar and expand your vocabulary. You can read books, newspapers or online articles, and try writing in Portuguese yourself.
The works of Fernando Pessoa are a great example of Portuguese literature, with descriptions of old Lisbon, but you can also choose more recent and accessible reading material.
A surprising tip: read comic books in Portuguese. Your brain will more easily associate words with images and meanings, and simple stories are an excellent way to progress in a new language.
Make Mistakes
Let those who have never made mistakes cast the first stone. Making mistakes when learning a new language is completely normal and human — especially in Portuguese.
Don’t hesitate to make mistakes and ask for help correcting them. This will help you progress faster. Portuguese people are generally very open about this and will not look down on you for having a low level. On the contrary, they are often happy to teach you new words.
So don’t hesitate — step out of your comfort zone. You only succeed by trying.
Immerse Yourself in Portuguese Culture
To better understand the language and culture of Portugal, try to immerse yourself by reading books, watching films, or listening to Portuguese music.
Don’t hesitate to order in Portuguese at restaurants, talk to shopkeepers, or read Portuguese newspapers.
You can also learn about Portuguese customs and traditions to better understand the country and its origins, which will help you grasp the meaning of certain Portuguese words and expressions.
Learn with a Language Partner
It’s always easier to start a new project with someone else, and learning a new language is no exception. Find someone you can exchange with and practice Portuguese.
This could be a friend, a family member, or even someone you meet online. Like the pen pals we had in school, exchanging simple messages in Portuguese helps you get corrected and improve — and maybe one day, you’ll be the one correcting others.
Travel to Portugal
If you are not yet living in Portugal, there is nothing better than going there to improve your Portuguese skills.
If you have the opportunity to travel to Portugal, take advantage of it to speak and practice the language with locals. A few weeks during the low season and outside tourist areas won’t cost much, and you’ll have many opportunities to practice your Portuguese.
Be Patient and Persistent
This is the most difficult part of learning Portuguese: staying motivated and reaching your goals.
Whether your objective is simply to get by, or to use Portuguese at a professional level, it’s important to keep in mind the benefits that speaking Portuguese will bring you.
Beyond being autonomous in daily life, it will be a major personal achievement — something no one can ever take away from you. Stay focused, push through the difficult days, and you’ll see that the effort is absolutely worth it.
You now know my 9 tips for learning Portuguese easily.
And you — what is your personal tip?
