Archive for 'Learning'
Verbs to Know: Prefix “des” Posted by Rachel on Aug 21, 2009
Today, we’re going to discuss verbs that start with des. As to be expected, this prefix is a negative one, which negates the second part of the word. But this isn’t true of every single verb that starts with des; we’ll look at a few of the exceptions. 1. desconversar: to change the subject. Here…
Language Level Skills: Portuguese Posted by Rachel on Aug 19, 2009
For today’s interactive feature, I have an important question for all of our Portuguese Blog readers, which I’m hoping you will all answer, since it will help make a better blog. The question is: What is your skill level of Portuguese? Beginner, low intermediate, mid intermediate, high intermediate, advanced, fluent? Are you able to speak?…
Proverbs Practice Posted by Rachel on Aug 14, 2009
Today, we’re going to go over some Portuguese proverbs and take a look at their meanings. Some are tricky since there are slightly different English equivalents. 1. Quem ama o feio, bonito lhe parece. Literal meaning: Ugly people appear beautiful when they are loved. English equivalent: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 2…
Word of the Day: pior Posted by Rachel on Aug 7, 2009
Today’s Portuguese Word of the Day is pior, which depending on the context can mean worse or worst. Let’s take a look at how the word is used. Note that when used as worse, it is followed by que when making a comparison (i.e. worse than). Also note that when used as worst, a, o…
Media Vocabulary Posted by Rachel on Aug 6, 2009
Today, we’re going to take a look at some important words related to the media and press. notícias = news jornalista = journalist repórter = reporter/newscaster jornal = newspaper jornal = TV news program revista = magazine matéria = article emissora = broadcasting company canal = channel reportagem = news report/coverage âncora = news anchor…
Podcast: Haggling in Portuguese Posted by Rachel on Jul 31, 2009
For today’s podcast, we’re going to talk about haggling and asking for prices while shopping. Check out the podcast here. Posso ver os brincos? Quanto custam? Cinquenta reais? Obrigado, mas não gostei. E o anel? Quanto tá? Não quero nada, valeu. Bom, levo a pulseira por cinco reais. Tem uma sacola? É um presente. First…
Slang Verbs Posted by Rachel on Jul 22, 2009
Today, we’re going to look at a few slangy verbs that will make you sound much more fluent in basic conversation. The definitions are a bit boiled down, so make sure you look to see how the words are translated in context. 1. rolar – to happen; to go on Acha que a festa da…