Welcome to our guide on how to say drinks in Portuguese! Whether you’re a traveler, language enthusiast, or simply curious, learning these words will enhance your cultural experience and communication skills in Portuguese-speaking regions. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to express drink-related vocabulary in Portuguese, focusing primarily on the standard language rather than regional variations. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
The Basics: How to Say “Drinks” in Portuguese
Before we delve into specific drink names, it’s important to know how to express the general term “drinks” in Portuguese. In formal contexts, you can use the word “bebidas” to refer to drinks. On the other hand, in informal settings, a common way to say “drinks” is “coisas para beber” (things to drink).
Alcoholic Drinks
Alcoholic beverages often play a prominent role in socializing, and knowing their names will come in handy during your Portuguese adventures. Here are some popular alcoholic drinks:
1. Beer – Cerveja
Beer, a staple in many countries, is no exception in Portugal and Brazil. The word for beer in Portuguese is “cerveja.” When ordering, use the phrase “Uma cerveja, por favor” (A beer, please) in formal situations. For a more casual tone, you can simply say “Uma cerveja, por favor.”
2. Wine – Vinho
Known for its excellent wine production, Portugal is a paradise for wine aficionados. The word for wine in Portuguese is “vinho.” If you’re looking for a specific type, you can mention the color or variety. For example, “Vinho tinto” refers to red wine, and “vinho branco” is white wine.
3. Whiskey – Uísque
Whiskey, popular among both locals and tourists, is “uísque” in Portuguese. You can order it by saying “Um uísque, por favor” (One whiskey, please) in formal situations. In more informal settings, a casual “Um uísque, please” will work just fine.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages or want to explore refreshing options, here are some non-alcoholic drink names you should know:
1. Water – Água
The most basic of all beverages, water is “água” in Portuguese. A simple “Água, por favor” (Water, please) should do the trick when ordering in restaurants or cafés.
2. Coffee – Café
Coffee plays a significant role in Portuguese culture. The standard word for coffee is “café.” If you prefer it with milk, ask for “café com leite.” For a small and strong espresso, go with “café expresso.”
3. Tea – Chá
Tea is a popular choice for those seeking a comforting and aromatic drink. In Portuguese, tea is simply “chá.” If you have a preference for a specific type, you can specify it by saying “chá preto” (black tea), “chá verde” (green tea), or “chá de camomila” (chamomile tea).
Popular Cold Drinks
Especially during hot summer days, a cold beverage can be incredibly refreshing. Here are a few popular cold drinks you’ll likely encounter:
1. Soda – Refrigerante
The term for soda or soft drinks in Portuguese is “refrigerante.” You can order a specific type of soda by mentioning the name along with the basic term. For instance, “Coca-Cola” is a widely recognized brand, and you can request it by saying “Um refrigerante de Coca-Cola, por favor” (A Coca-Cola soda, please).
2. Juice – Sumo (Brazil) / Sumo de Frutas (Portugal)
The word for juice, in a general sense, is “sumo” in Brazil and “sumo de frutas” in Portugal. However, in Brazil, “suco” is commonly used instead of “sumo.” If you have a preference for a specific fruit, you can mention it before “sumo.” For example, “sumo de laranja” (orange juice) or “suco de maracujá” (passionfruit juice).
3. Iced Tea – Chá Gelado
If you’re a fan of iced tea, you can order it by saying “Chá gelado” in Portuguese. Similar to hot tea, you can specify your preferred flavor or type, such as “chá gelado de limão” (lemon iced tea) or “chá gelado de pêssego” (peach iced tea).
Wrap-Up
Now that you’ve learned some key drink-related vocabulary in Portuguese, you’re ready to confidently order your favorite beverages or engage in conversations about drinks. Remember to adapt your language use according to the formality of the situation, employing the formal or informal expressions we have covered. Practice declaring your preferences, exploring local specialties, and don’t be afraid to try something new!
“A world of delicious drinks awaits you in Portuguese-speaking countries. By embracing the local language, you’ll not only enhance your cultural experiences but also open doors to connect with locals and fellow travelers. So, raise your glass and enjoy your language learning journey!”
We hope this guide has been helpful to you. Cheers – or as they say in Portuguese, “Saúde!”
