Learn Vocabulary Fast in Portuguese

When you start learning a language, you need to learn the whole world in new words. Therefore, one of the first challenges is how to learn vocabulary fast in Portuguese.

Learning words that are similar in Portuguese and in your language is a great way to learn vocabulary fast. This is why it is common for textbooks and language teachers to present you with cognates when you start learning a language. Cognates are words that have the same origin. Therefore, they are similar in the different languages.

Learning cognates is also a great way to practice pronunciation. More about that later.

In this Portuguese lesson you will find a list of 45 words that are similar in Portuguese and in English.

5 tips to boost your language learning

I offer the following suggestions for you to leverage the learning potential of this Portuguese lesson.

1. Say the words aloud

Say the words aloud. This is so important for language learning. Don’t just listen to these words. Don’t just keep them in your head. Say the words out loud. This helps with memorization and pronunciation.

2. Observe pronunciation

Observe how the same letters or same syllables are pronounced differently in Portuguese and in English. This is a great way to learn pronunciation.

3. Use the words in full sentences

The words in this Portuguese lesson go well with the Verb Ser (to be). So, go to my Portuguese lesson about the verb Ser to boost your learning. You will get to practice the words below and the verb Ser at the same time. It is similar to doing compound moves in your workouts.

4. Use the words in context

When creating sentences with the word that you will learn in this lesson, describe real people. Think about family, friends, and celebrities. You can certainly describe fictional characters too. What matters is that you “see” the words in a bigger context of life. This helps with memorization.

5. Practice masculine and feminine

Visit my lessons on the gender of nouns and on the gender of adjectives in Portuguese. Then create sentences using the words you will learn here in both genders. When you create sentences using the feminine version of words, you practice more than the one word you started with because you also need to use articles, prepositions, pronouns etc. in the feminine. Therefore, you are training your brain in gender agreement in Portuguese.

Learn vocabulary fast: 45 similar words in Portuguese & English

The words that have a masculine and a feminine form are indicated below. For example, the first word in the list is: agressivo/a. That means you use agressivo in the masculine and agressiva in the feminine.

I borrowed this list from the book Ponto de Encontro. To know more about it, read my review of books to learn Portuguese.

PT / EN

1. Agressivo/a = aggressive
2. Ambicioso/a = ambitious
3. Animado/a = animated, lively
4. Arrogante = arrogant
5. Atlético/a = athletic
6. Calmo/a = calm
7. Competente = competent
8. Corajoso/a = courageous
9. Criativo/a = creative
10. Dinâmico/a = dynamic
11. Eficiente = efficient
12. Elegante = elegant
13. Extrovertido/a = extroverted
14. Fascinante = fascinating
15. Generoso/a = generous
16. Idealista = idealist
17. Imparcial = impartial
18. Importante = important
19. Impulsivo/a = impulsive
20. Independente = independent
21. Inteligente = intelligent
22. Interessante = interesting
23. Introvertido/a = introverted
24. Liberal = liberal
25. Lógico/a = logical
26. Materialista = materialist
27. Moderno/a = modern
28. Nervoso/a = nervous
29. Otimista = optimistic
30. Paciente = patient
31. Parcial = partial
32. Passivo/a = passive
33. Perfeccionista = perfectionist
34. Pessimista = pessimist
35. Popular = popular
36. Rebelde = rebel, rebellious
37. Religioso/a = religious
38. Responsável = responsible
39. Romântico/a = romantic
40. Sentimental = sentimental
41. Sério/a = serious
42. Sincero/a = sincere
43. Terrível = terrible
44. Tímido/a = timid
45. Tradicional = traditional

Tricky words: similar but with different meanings

Some words are deceivingly similar; we call them false cognates. Here are a few of them with their correct meaning:

PT / EN

1. Sensível = sensitive (not sensible)
2. Esquisito = weird (not exquisite)
3. Pretender = to intend (not to pretend)

Also check out these additional Portuguese lessons to dramatically improve your vocab:

• 40 Easy Words to Learn: Use Patterns to Your Benefit – with video
• 55 Words to Boost Your Vocabulary – with Video
• 90 New Words that You Will Have No Trouble Memorizing – with Video

Now start practicing the words you’ve learned in this lesson to incorporate them into your Portuguese language vocabulary.

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