Word of the week: Bola

Click here to learn how to pronounce BOLA.

BOLA is the favorite toy of every Brazilian boy. Every little kid in Brazil has his soccer ball. Soccer or futebol, as it is called in Brazil, is the number 1 sport in the country and everything starts when the boys first kick the BOLA in a backyard, in a park or in the streets. No green field is required, just the BOLA. And for those that are too poor to buy one, a BOLA made of socks will do. After all, this is how Pelé got started. And the toy becomes a magic instrument in talented feet of the white, black, rich and poor kids. It becomes a catalyst of dreams.

Polite Expressions

Treat everybody the way you want them to treat you!! So, be polite!! Always!

Below you will find some polite expressions or "expressões de cortesia" in Portuguese. Click here to listen to the pronunciation.

Obrigada (if you are a female)/obrigado (if you are a male)
Thank you

De nada
You’re welcome

Por favor
Please

Muito prazer
Nice to meet you

Desculpe
I am sorry

Com licença
Excuse me

Word of the week: Açúcar

AÇÚCAR is what most people use to sweeten coffee, tea, or to make delicious cakes. Click here to learn how to pronounce AÇÚCAR.

In Brazil, AÇÚCAR is produced from sugar cane. The sugar cane was introduced in Brazil by Portugal and AÇÚCAR became known at the time as “white gold” because of its economic importance. Today, sugar cane still plays an important role in Brazilian economy, especially now with the world's interest in Brazilian ethanol, a biofuel derived from sugar cane.

Another product derived from sugar cane is the most famous distilled beverage of Brazil – cachaça. Next time you’re in Brazil, order a caipirinha – a delicious cocktail made with cachaça, sugar, limes, and ice cubes.

Introducing yourself

Do you want to meet some Brazilians? The first thing you need then is to learn how to introduce yourself. Here is a dialogue between Maria, a Brazilian, and Sally, an American:

- Olá, meu nome é Maria. Qual é o seu nome? Hello, my name is Maria. What is your name?
- O meu nome é Sally. Muito prazer. My name is Sally. Nice to meet you.
- Igualmente. Bem-vinda ao Brasil! Likewise. Welcome to Brazil!
- Obrigada. Thank you.
- De nada. You’re welcome.

Brazilians are very friendly people and they will always welcome you! When they welcome you, say "obrigada" if you are a woman. If you are a man, say "obrigado".

Click here to listen to the dialogue and practice pronunciation.

The word of the week

This segment will be present in this blog every week to introduce new Portuguese words for you. You will learn how to write and pronounce the words here. And you will also have some information about cultural aspects related to these words.

Since it is Carnival in Brazil right now, our first word in "the word of the week" segment is CARNAVAL. Click here to listen to the pronunciation.

In Brazil, CARNAVAL is celebrated all over the country. In Rio and São Paulo, people celebrate CARNAVAL with the "escolas de samba." In Salvador, CARNAVAL is celebrated with the "axé-music", played by the "trios elétricos". Recife is famous for its "frevo". If you never heard of "frevo", check Lenine, a very good composer and singer from Brazil, singing a frevo song in an event to celebrate 100 years of this fun Brazilian music style. Check it out: