Archive for May, 2011
Collective Nouns in Portuguese: Nature Posted by Rachel on May 31, 2011
Last week, we learned about animal collectives in Portuguese. This week, we’re going to learn about nature-related collective nouns. arquipélago – islands (archipelago) cacho – bunch of bananas or grapes cordilheira – mountains feixe – kindling / wood for burning flora – plants or vegetables (flora) floresta / bosque – trees (forest) miríade – stars…
Good and Well Posted by Rachel on May 31, 2011
Since much of Portuguese Blog is aimed at intermediate and advanced learners, I thought we’d do a post to help some of our readers who are just starting to study Portuguese. Still, this particular tip should be useful for everyone, since I’ve noticed this is a common mistake. Bem vs. bom It’s important to remember…
Brazilian Hip Hop – Emicida Posted by polyana on May 30, 2011
Yesterday I went to a huge hip hop festival here in São Paulo, with international names like John Legend, Ja Rule, & The Roots, but also some Brazilian independent artists like Copacabana Club (which isn’t a hip hop band, but they’re pretty good!) & then some big name Brazilian hip hop artists. I’m actually pretty…
A Banda Mais Bonita Da Cidade Posted by Rachel on May 27, 2011
A band from Curitiba, Paraná recently released a video that has blown up on the Internet with close to 3 million views and newfound fans from around the world. The song, called Oração, which means prayer, is performed by a group called A Banda Mais Bonita Da Cidade. They have various other songs out but…
Hard to Believe Posted by Rachel on May 25, 2011
The other day, I was talking to a Brazilian friend and he used an expression that I wanted to share, since it’s perfect for using in everyday conversation. Por mais incrível que pareça / Pelo incrível que pareça This expression roughly translates as, “As difficult as it is to believe,” or “As hard as it…
Collective Nouns in Portuguese: Animals Posted by Rachel on May 24, 2011
While these nouns aren’t as vital to daily conversation as some other nouns you’ll learn here, they’ll help you sound like a much more experienced speaker. Today, we’re going to learn about animal collectives, or coletivos. alcateia = pack (of wolves, hyenas, wild dogs) cáfila = caravan of camels cardume = school of fish enxame…
Non-Verbal Communication, Part III Posted by polyana on May 23, 2011
One thing you don’t want to do when travelling, is to do or say something inappropriate or offensive in that country. In Brazil, people are usually accepting of these gafes, but it doesn’t hurt to learn a little bit of non-verbal communication no-no’s while travelling to Brazil on business or whatnot. So without further ado…