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Practice Portuguese

Rui Coimbra / Joel Rendall

Learn European Portuguese from Portugal

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  • 21 episodes
  • Avg 14 min
  • English

Episodes 21

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  • August 25 · 11 min

    Are You Greeting People Wrong in Portugal?

    In this episode, Joel and Rui talk about how people greet each other in Portugal — cheek kisses, handshakes, that sort of thing — and the tricky business of actually leaving a party without it turning into a whole thing. They cover vocabulary like "está a ficar tarde," "tenho que ir embora," and "até à próxima," plus some expressions you'd use in social situations.

  • August 5 · 19 min

    Talking with Neighbours

    In this episode, Joel and Rui compare how people interact with their neighbors in Portugal and Canada—everything from awkward elevator silence to strangers weighing in on what's in your shopping bag. They go through some common Portuguese greetings and goodbyes like "bom dia," "até logo," "vai-se andando," and "haja saúde," and talk about when you'd actually say "boa tarde" versus "boa noite."

  • July 9 · 8 min

    A Música que Amamos

    We go for a walk, talk about our favourite music genres, play a “name the first artist you think of” game, and arrive at the gym still arguing about who really is the king and queen of pop. In this episode you’ll hear natural Portuguese around music vocabulary and genres, plus useful expressions for opinions, preferences, and struggling to label things (like “rótulos” and “sobrepõem-se”).

  • Nov 11, 2025 · 13 min

    Verdade Ou Mentira?

    Who's the better liar, Rui or Joel? 🤥 Today we'll practice using past tense verb conjugations to discuss past experiences. Can you detect which of our stories are true, and which are total lies?

  • Jul 2, 2025 · 33 min

    Beijos e Bolas de Berlim (LIVE!)

    What do Portuguese people eat for breakfast? Why do we greet women with two kisses on the cheek? And who eats 'Bolas de Berlim' at the beach? In this live-recorded episode, Rui and Joel discuss some of Portugal's most interesting habits.

  • May 20, 2025 · 24 min

    Uma Conversa Entre Músicos

    Joel sits down with João, a fellow musician and also a music teacher. Explore music-related vocabulary as João related to his passion for music, shares his first steps into the music world, and even gives a brief theory lesson!

  • Jan 14, 2025 · 24 min

    Como Nos Tempos Antigos

    By popular demand, Rui and Joel return to one of their classic podcast formats. They feature one of the 600+ “Shorties” available on our platform and explore vocabulary and expressions. Later, Rui helps Joel fix some of his more subtle pronunciation errors in European Portuguese – are you making the same mistakes?

  • Nov 14, 2024 · 23 min

    Estações do Ano

    Damiana and Rui chat about what they like to do during different seasons of the year in Portugal. (Recorded in September 2024)

  • Sep 17, 2024 · 11 min

    Campismo em Portugal

    Rui and Joel talk about their experiences and personal preferences when it comes to camping in Portugal. *A note to clarify the difference between pilha and bateria: pilhas: Usually smaller/simpler batteries like AA, AAA, 9V, or coin-shaped batteries. Used in things like remote controls, watches, flashlights, toys, etc. May or may not be rechargeable. baterias: Usually larger, more complex batteries. Used for more sophisticated devices that need consistent/higher power, such as laptops, smartphones, smartwatches, digital cameras, electric vehicles, portable power tools, external power sources, etc. Almost always rechargeable.

  • Aug 6, 2024 · 5 min

    Conversa ou Confronto?

    Rui and Joel discuss the cultural differences in conversation styles between Portugal and North America. Help them resolve their “argument” so that they don’t have to go to couples therapy. 😜

  • Jul 21, 2024 · 7 min

    Desafios da Burocracia

    Joel and Rui discuss some of Joel’s views on adapting to life in Portugal, from the lack of “real salads” to the differences in work culture.

  • Jul 10, 2024 · 10 min

    Adaptação a Portugal

    Joel talks about career choices and adapting to life in Portugal. (Listeners: Rui & Joel are outside filming, so the sound in the background is a nearby water feature.)

  • Jun 7, 2024 · 11 min

    A Vida Com Crianças

    Rui and Joel discuss how their lives have changed after kids.

  • May 28, 2024 · 5 min

    Uma Alentejana em Lisboa

    A special guest from our Practice Portuguese team, Joana, talks to Joel about her Alentejo culture and traditions. Discover essential vocabulary related to regional differences and expressions unique to the Alentejo region.

  • May 22, 2024 · 11 min

    Hábitos de Entretenimento

    Joel and Rui discuss their social media habits and entertainment choices. Who is more addicted to Instagram? Reddit? Do they prefer in-depth documentaries, or trash TV?

  • May 13, 2024 · 10 min

    A Vida em Lisboa

    Rui and Joel explore the pros and cons of living in Lisbon, their favourite areas to live and where to find the best places in Portugal to actually Practice Portuguese with natives!

  • May 7, 2024 · 10 min

    Comer Fora ou Mandar Vir?

    Do you prefer dining out or ordering in? Join us for a conversation about food, drinks, and dining in Portugal, with a special appearance from Rui's mom who shares a story about the ultimate Portuguese food faux pas.

Showing 1–20 of 21 episodes