There are few things more anxiety-inducing than arriving in a new country where you don’t speak the language and having no clue how to get around. When arriving in Rio (or any other Brazilian city), knowing some basic Portuguese transportation words and phrases can make a huge difference in your ability to use public transit and get help if needed. If you learn the Portuguese transportation vocab below, your trip is sure to be much less stressful and more enjoyable. And who knows, you might even make some new friends along the way. Click the play button to hear how each word or phrase is pronounced.
Talking About Portuguese Transportation
General Navigation
To the left — à esquerda
To the right — à direita
In front of — em frente a
On the corner — na esquina
Can you recommend a good hotel? —Você pode me recomendar um bom hotel?
Excuse me, is there a supermarket near here? — Desculpe-me, há um supermercado perto daqui?
Traveling By Plane
Plane — o avião
Flight — o voo
Airport — o aeroporto
Terminal — o terminal
Gate — o portão de embarque
Luggage — a bagagem
Hand luggage (carry-on) — a bagagem de mão
Weight limit — o limite de peso
Departure — a partida
Security check — o controle de segurança
Connection — a conexão
To check in — fazer check in
To board — embarcar
To land — aterrissar
You are only allowed to take one item of hand luggage onto the plane. — Só é permitido levar uma mala como bagagem de mão no avião.
Traveling By Train Or Bus
Public transportation — o transporte público
Bus — o ônibus
Train — o trem
Subway — o metrô
Train station — a estação
Bus station — a rodoviária
Ticket — o bilhete
Platform — a plataforma
Passenger — o passageiro
Timetable — a tabela de horários
Inspector — o fiscal
To catch — pegar
To transfer — trocar
To validate — validar
How much is a ticket to the airport? — Quanto custa o bilhete para o aeroporto?
Where is there a bus stop? — Onde tem um ponto de ônibus?
Traveling By Car Or Bike
Car — o carro
Driver — o motorista (m) / a motorista (f)
Windshield wipers — o limpador de pára-brisa
Key — a chave
Seatbelt — o cinto de segurança
Driver’s license — a carteira de motorista
Bicycle — a bicicleta
Cyclist — o ciclista (m) / a ciclista (f)
Helmet — o capacete
To drive — dirigir
To park — estacionar
To break down — ter uma pane
To ride — andar
You’re going too fast – you’re speeding! — Você está dirigindo muito rápido, você está correndo!