Which one should you use?
When referring to the language or using it as an adjective, always use the lowercase form portugais. In contrast, the capitalized forms Portugais or Portugaise are used when referring to a person native to Portugal.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective or following verbs like *parler* (to speak), portugais does not require an article. However, when referring to the language as a noun, it is common to use the definite article le, such as in le portugais. If the adjective modifies a feminine noun, use the feminine form portugaise, such as in la langue portugaise.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɔʁ.ty.ɡɛ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not capitalize the name of the language. While English speakers often capitalize "Portuguese", in French, names of languages are written in lowercase.
Did you know?
- French used to use the word portugalois to describe the language before the current form portugais became the standard.
- The pronunciation of portugais ends in a sound similar to 'eh', which differs from the 'eez' sound found in the English word 'Portuguese'.
- A French speaker distinguishes between the language le portugais and a person from Portugal un Portugais simply by using a capital letter.
Examples in context
- Je ne parle pas portugais.I don't speak Portuguese.This sentence is useful for expressing that you do not speak the language.Tatoeba #3493720 by Aiji, translation #3493721 by Ricardo14
- Ce n'est pas du portugais.This is not Portuguese.This sentence is useful for identifying that something is not the language.Tatoeba #6858404 by Micsmithel, translation #5147554 by CarpeLanam
- On parle portugais au Brésil.Portuguese is spoken in Brazil.This sentence is useful for stating where the language is spoken.Tatoeba #11904011 by zogwarg, translation #11903979 by sundown
- Je parle portugais couramment.I speak Portuguese fluently.
- J'étudie la langue portugaise depuis deux ans.I have been studying the Portuguese language for two years.
- T'as appris le portug' tout seul ?Did you learn Portuguese by yourself?
- 76 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa asks Gabriel about his new language class.
- GabrielLéa, j'apprends le portugais ce semestre.Léa, I am learning Portuguese this semester.
- LéaC'est génial, Gabriel ! Tu aimes le portugais ?That's great, Gabriel! Do you like Portuguese?
- GabrielOui, le portugais est très mélodieux.Yes, Portuguese is very melodious.
- LéaJe suis contente pour toi.I am happy for you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “portuguese” translations and entries portugais, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries portugais, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
