Like so many languages, learning Portuguese while living abroad doesn’t really happen in classes or apps. They help, of course, but real learning shows up when you’re slightly lost on a street asking for directions, ordering coffee, replying to messages during a meeting, or trying to sound polite without overthinking every word.
This isn’t a guide to sounding fluent. It’s a collection of expressions that make daily life easier, smoother, and a lot less awkward for remote workers and digital nomads.
This is your universal opener.
You’ll hear it in cafés, lifts, co-working spaces, WhatsApp audios, and video calls. It works as hello, how are you, and “I see you” all at once.
Easy replies:
If you remember one phrase, make it this one.
You’ll say this constantly. It’s basically our local “okay, sure”.
It communicates flexibility without needing extra explanation.
Short, clear, satisfying.
It means deal or agreed, and it’s perfect for confirming plans with landlords, colleagues, cleaners, or anyone organising something informal.
This phrase carries a lot of emotional weight.
You’ll hear it when someone makes a mistake or apologises too much. It reassures people quickly and feels very natural in Brazilian Portuguese.
You’ll hear this everywhere. Sometimes it truly means “no problem”. Sometimes it means “I noticed, but let’s move on”. Either way, it keeps conversations light.
I’m in a meeting.
You’ll need this more often than you expect, especially when calls come out of nowhere.
I’ll get back to you.
Add já if you want to sound extra reassuring:
Can it be later?
Very useful when time zones don’t agree with each other.
This one is subtle.
Literally, it means “let’s see”. In real conversations, it often signals uncertainty or a non-commitment. Understanding this saves you from waiting around for plans that were never solid.
Simple and polite. You’ll say it a lot.
To go or to stay?
If you understand this early on, everyday interactions feel much easier.
Essential for any remote worker.
Is it nearby?
Perfect when exploring new neighbourhoods.
You’ll hear this in homes, offices, Airbnbs, and shared spaces. It’s welcoming and genuine, not just polite.
A relaxed way to end conversations. Friendly, informal, no pressure.
This one is known worldwide because it doesn’t translate, and that’s exactly why I love it.
It’s the word we use for the feeling of missing someone, a place, a moment, or a version of yourself. There’s affection in it. Warmth. Memory.
Every expression you learn makes daily life lighter. So speak imperfectly. Smile while doing it. That’s the most Brazilian thing you can do.
Just like learning a few everyday expressions makes daily life smoother, having the right financial setup does the same in the background.
With Grey, remote workers and digital nomads can open a free multi-currency account to receive and manage USD, EUR, and GBP in one place. You can convert when it makes sense, withdraw to your local bank, and use a virtual USD card for subscriptions, co-working spaces, tools, and everyday online payments wherever you’re working from.
When the basics work smoothly, you get more space to focus on work, people, and the small moments that make a place feel like home.
Open a free Grey account and make your remote routine lighter.
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