by Olly RichardsWhen you’re learning Portuguese, it’s important to have an arsenal of the best Portuguese resources and guides to help you level up on the areas where you need it.
Whether it’s having a quick check up on grammar rules, testing your listening skills with a podcast, trying your hand at conversation with a native speaking partner or going all in with an immersion course, if you have a range of resources to support you, you'll reach fluency faster.
If you’re struggling to find the best Portuguese resources on your own, look no further. I've put together a truly amazing, curated list of the best variety of language learning services, sites and sources.
That way you can find everything you need to become a fluent Portuguese language speaker right here in this post.
By the way, if you want to learn Portuguese fast and have fun while doing it, my top recommendation is Portuguese Uncovered which teaches you through StoryLearning®.
With Portuguese Uncovered you’ll use my unique StoryLearning® method to learn Portuguese naturally through story… not rules. It’s as fun as it is effective.
If you’re ready to get started, click here for a 7-day FREE trial.
Portuguese Dictionaries And Grammar Guides
It’s so important to be able to quickly look up a word, see how it’s spelled and pronounced and its different possible meanings.
And grammar can be so daunting and confusing for so many new language speakers. So having a simple and reliable aid to set you right when you need it is priceless.
Here are some of the best Brazilian Portuguese dictionary and grammar guides:
#1 ReversoDictionary is a great online dictionary reference. The best part about this dictionary is that it doesn’t just translate words, but it also allows you to type in an entire phrase and gives possible meanings for it.
It also has a button to a quick grammar guide. And one for pronunciation so you can hear how it sounds in Portuguese. They have an app version of their dictionary so you can easily look up words and phrases on your mobile.
#2 Linguee – Another amazing dictionary reference is Linguee. It gives you various definitions and has a button so you can hear the pronunciation.
It also shows you the different contexts in which you can use a word or phrase. Also, you can specify whether you want the European Portuguese or Brazilian Portuguese translation. Linguee has a very user-friendly interface, and their app version has excellent reviews from users.
#3 Modern Brazilian Portuguese Grammar, a Practical Guide by John Whitlam. Available in paperback or ebook version, this guide provides a thorough explanation of Brazilian Portuguese grammar.
Divided into 71 chapters with titles that you can easily reference to look for a specific grammar issue like past tense, reflexive verbs, gerunds and more. You get clear and precise examples and explanations.
Full Portuguese Language Courses
Language courses help to provide structure and guidance to reach milestones within a determined timeframe.
Different courses offer different methods. But any full Portuguese language course should offer the basics of vocabulary, grammar, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
#4 Pimsleur has been around for a while and has a great reputation for getting students to a level where they can speak Portuguese quickly.
Their core lessons are complemented by reading lessons and digital flashcards to enhance vocabulary.
Course lessons are just 30 minutes long, allowing you to keep up the pace. It’s especially helpful for beginners wanting to break through the language barrier and start speaking.
#5 Babbel offers online language learning courses in Portuguese that are tailored to your level of fluency.
They break down their learning into five categories so you can get optimum learning without to grapple with material that’s too advanced or get bored with material that’s too basic.
With a variety of dynamic videos and podcasts available, their self-paced lessons will get you to the next level in your Brazilian Portuguese.
#6 Semantica is a modern, engaging way to take on language learning.
With videos and conversations designed to help you understand the way people really speak in Brazil, this practical course can help you navigate real life situations like a pro.
Through dialogues and scenarios, pronunciation training, grammar lessons and flashcards, Semantica delivers the goods to help you communicate like a real Brazilian.
Best Resources To Test Your Portuguese Skills
Everyone has different learning styles and strengths and for that reason, the bigger your language learning toolkit, the more likely you are to develop fluency.
Adding a variety of lesson styles, whether it involves visual learning or repetition can help enhance your Brazilian Portuguese skills.
#7 Glossika will sharpen your Portuguese listening and speaking skills.
The lessons are based on listening to native speakers and improving speaking skills through repetition so you’ll get plenty of audio and verbal practice.
#8 Drops is a playful app that allows you to test and improve your language skills with fun, visually-based five-minute daily lessons.
To learn more about this app, take a look at my honest review of Drops.
#9 Transparent Language offers Brazilian Portuguese proficiency tests.
If you want to see where you’re at, which skills you still need to brush up on whether it’s grammar, vocabulary or reading comprehension, this test can help.
Brazilian Portuguese Podcasts
Podcasts are a great way to learn while you’re on the go.
You don’t always have time to sit down and watch a lesson. But with a podcast, you can absorb the content while you’re on a commute or cleaning the house or preparing dinner.
They can help reinforce vocabulary and are important tools for training your listening skills.
#10 BrazilianPodClass is a service that provides over 550 lessons in Brazilian Portuguese.
Lessons are manageable for busy people at only 15-30 minutes per lesson and also include a written guide to help with comprehension.
You can learn on your mobile and while you’re on the go with these clear and simple podcasts.
#11 Todo Mundo Pod is a great resource for language and cultural comprehension. It was created by Marcos Sales whose passion for teaching Portuguese led him to offer these podcasts.
He even speaks a bit slower in some of the podcasts in order for beginning students to be able to catch on more easily. An awesome and fun resource to understand more about Brazilian culture such as:
- the national obsession with Big Brother Brasil
- things to do in some of the country’s touristic destinations
- the story behind some of Brazil’s most famous public figures
- and how to navigate Brazilian slang.
#12 Carioca Connection offers practical lessons in Brazilian Portuguese with a particular focus on life in Rio de Janeiro.
Carioca, for the uninitiated, is the term used for residents of Rio de Janeiro, one of the most visited spots by foreigners in Brazil.
Their package also offers worksheets to help reinforce vocabulary and grammar as well as idiomatic expressions you’re likely to hear on the streets of Rio.
Online Portuguese Language Exchanges
Finding a language exchange partner is a great way to improve your conversational skills. You can easily sign up on a language exchange site and start talking to a native speaker.
You can get tips on your Portuguese pronunciation, learn new Portuguese expressions and have fun while you’re doing it!
#13 My Language Exchange has an enormous online directory of language partners for a variety of languages.
For Portuguese, they show a photo of your potential language partner, where they’re from, what languages they speak and which they want to practice and a brief description.
It’s easy to connect with people immediately on this exchange.
#14 Language Exchange is has a similar setup but not as many profiles to sift through.
You can find out what languages your potential partner speaks and what languages they want to practice as well as a bit about themselves.
Thanks to that, you can determine some common interests before you sign up to partner with them.
#15 Tandem is a popular language exchange site with tens of thousands of members in Brazil.
A bit more directed than other sites, on Tandem members post what they’re looking for in a language partner and what their learning goals are as well as their favorite topics of conversation. A great site with a nice interface to facilitate your language learning.
Portuguese Immersion
Not everyone has the time or resources for an immersion course. But if you do, there’s no better way to learn a language than being in the country where it is spoken.
You’ll have the opportunity to explore the culture and surroundings, have real conversations, enjoy the local cuisine and learn the language while you’re at it.
Here are some top-rated immersion courses offered in Brazil. By the way, if you're not ready to learn Portuguese in Brazil, you'll be pleased to know that all of these schools also have an online presence.
#16 StudyAbroad offers a traditional immersion program in Brazil for Portuguese language learners.
You can choose from a variety of categories from interning to volunteering to studying for your immersion course. With 12 different cities across Brazil where you can choose to do your course and immersion durations of 1 week to a year, this program caters to your needs.
Highly rated by participants, this immersion program delivers language learning at the source.
#17 Rio & Learn is a fun hands-on immersion course that takes you out of the classroom and into the streets of A Cidade Maravilhosa (The Marvelous City), Rio’s nickname.
You can create the kind of course you’re looking for with flexible hours, private tutoring or a more structured group setting.
They adapt to your needs and make sure you have fun while learning.
#18 GoBrazil is a different kind of immersion course. You’ll stay in an old colonial home in the charming fishing village of Maceio in Brazil’s northeast.
Life moves at a slower pace there and you’ll be able to savour the beaches and local culture at a leisurely pace while improving your Portuguese.
You also have the opportunity to participate in one of the owner Malu’s local nonprofit programs.
Best Resources To Learn Portuguese
When learning a new language, having a variety of tools at your disposal is important for you to have the support you need to keep advancing. Everyone learns differently and everyone’s schedule and resources are different.
In the list you discovered the best Portuguese resources for all types of language learners. I hope you can use them to get you to the next level in your Brazilian Portuguese. Boa sorte e bons estudos!
