Language & Communication
Brazilian Portuguese, useful phrases, translation tools and a few Bahia-specific words that make everyday interactions easier.
Editorial team
Brazil's official language is Portuguese. English is not universally spoken outside tourism-oriented businesses. Spanish speakers can often communicate with patience, but Portuguese and Spanish are different languages: slow down, use simple words and do not assume rapid Spanish will be understood.
Useful Portuguese
| Portuguese | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite | Good morning / afternoon / evening |
| Por favor | Please |
| Obrigado / Obrigada | Thank you |
| Quanto custa? | How much is it? |
| Cartão? | Card? |
| A conta, por favor | The bill, please |
| Sem pimenta, por favor | No chilli, please |
Words you will hear in Bahia
Acarajé, abará, dendê, moqueca, baiana, terreiro, orixá, axé, samba-reggae and bloco afro are not decorative vocabulary. They name foods, traditions, religious concepts and cultural forms that are part of everyday Salvador.
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