Archive for 'Learning'
Podcast: Using the past tense to discuss Carnival Posted by Rachel on Feb 27, 2009
Carnival Past Tense Podcast Make sure you check out the BYKI list here. Today, we’re going to look at the difference between the perfect preterite and the imperfect preterite in the past tense using ser and estar, as well as other verbs. We’ll also be talking about Carnival. Ontem eu fui assistir o desfile no…
Accomodations Vocabulary Posted by Rachel on Feb 19, 2009
When traveling in Brazil, it’s important to know the difference between the different options in accomodations. Today, we’re going to look at the various types and the associated vocabulary. albergue: this is a hostel, which typically has a few shared rooms and one or two private rooms. pousada: in English, we’d call this a bed…
Slang Phrases Posted by Rachel on Feb 12, 2009
Today we’re going to look at some slangy phrases you can use in everyday conversation with friends. 1. Até parece This means “yeah, right.” Vou na festa da Camila amanhã. O Tom Cruise também vai! I’m going to Camila’s party tomorrow. Tom Cruise is going too! Até parece! Yeah, right! 2. Pois é This literally…
Video Learning Series Posted by Rachel on Feb 11, 2009
Today, we begin a new series using Youtube videos in Portuguese to practice listening skills, as well as a way to learn about Brazilian culture and history. This excellent series, called O Povo Brasileiro, is broken down into thirty videos on Youtube, which describes Brazilian history from its indigenous origins to modernity. After watching the…
Try, try again Posted by Rachel on Jan 13, 2009
There are several different ways to translate the English verb “try” into Portuguese, so today we’re going to take a look at them. 1. tentar: try as in make an effort to do something Vou tentar terminar o projeto logo. I’m going to try to finish the project soon. Ele tentou entrar no site de…
New Portuguese Accent Rules Go into Effect Posted by Rachel on Jan 2, 2009
As of January 1st, the accent changes to written Portuguese meant to unify the global language go into effect. This year will be the “Year of Transition” when Brazil begins to adopt the new grammar rules. According to President Lula, the new and old rules can both be used until 2012, but some media outlets…
Holiday Vocabulary Posted by Rachel on Dec 23, 2008
Today we’re going to take a look at some important phrases and vocabulary for the holiday season. Boas festas – Happy Holidays Feliz Natal – Merry Christmas Feliz Hanuká – Happy Hanukah Feliz Ano Novo – Happy New Year Reveillon – New Year’s Eve presente – gift amigo oculto – Secret Santa Papai Noel –…