vocabulary

The World Cup (a Copa do Mundo) starts in just a few days. Brazilians all over the world have their jerseys ready and futebol has been present in every conversation with friends.

World Cup trivia: The first World Cup was in 1930 and since then only seven countries won the competition: Brazil, Italy, Germany, Uruguay, Argentina, France, and England. Brazil has 5 victories. No one else won as many times :) READ MORE>

This is a short post, but I believe that you will find it very useful.

In English we sometimes use the verb "to get" when we mean "to buy": READ MORE>

I found a very good article on learning a language on Lexiophiles.com: www.lexiophiles.com: an interview with Spanish translator and TV show presenter Xosé Castro.

In my opinion, Xosé's three special tips for learners are really at the heart of learning a foreign language and having fun along the way. I am sure that my students will recognize this advice :) READ MORE>

Today I will answer your questions about the use of the word muito. Students often feel confused with muito. When is it just muito and when does it have a plural and a feminine?

I will organize my answer in three parts.

1) When muito means “very” it does not vary. Check out these examples: READ MORE>

I was writing a forum entry in response to Street Smart Brazil members Species and Jim when I realized this would be a delicious blog post. The question I am trying to answer is: "What desserts are native to Pernambuco?" Beware: By entering this post you are making yourself vulnerable to mouth-watering and stomach-growling experiences. READ MORE>

Our YouTube subscriber Martin has asked me to create a video about words that are confusing in Portuguese. He had all the reasons to ask for this video. He wanted to ask his friend if she had cleaned her kitchen. Instead, he asked if she had cleaned her “behind”. It sure gave me a good laugh, but I understand that things can get pretty embarrassing. So here is a list of words that can save your day. READ MORE>

Students often ask what the best Portuguese textbook is. There are several good books available. The best one for you will depend on your goals and your learning style. Here are a few books to consider.

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Street Smart Brazil had a fantastic get-together this past Sunday. Students, instructors, and friends met to socialize, practice Portuguese, and watch a Brazilian movie together. We saw the hilarious comedy Se Eu Fosse Você with renowned Brazilian actors Glória Pires and Tony Ramos. I can tell you that we did have a great laugh! Learning was on the menu, of course, and attendants received a vocabulary sheet with the main idiomatic expressions, colloquial language, and slang in the movie. I am so happy about the event! Several students are already asking when the next event will be! Muito obrigada, students. Valeu, friends. Show de bola, Street Smart team :) READ MORE>

On July 19th I posted a video teaching you how to say the months of the year. Now you are going to learn what articles and prepositions to use with the months.

First, a reminder: We do not capitalize the months of the year in Portuguese.

Let's go:

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I was in Brazil enjoying a fantastic cappuccino with crushed peanuts over it when I thought that it would be fun to write a post about the differences in the coffee drinks in Brazil and in the US. READ MORE>