Of all the foreign languages I’ve learned, Portuguese is the closest to my heart. I have a deep love for Portugal’s culture, lifestyle, musical tradition, and especially the island of Madeira. For many years, I didn’t have the opportunity to learn the language, but when the time finally came, I started learning Portuguese—and to this day, I have no regrets.
As with every language learning journey, I’ve relied on various resources for Portuguese—language learning mobile apps, online classes, books, TV shows, music, and conversation practice. Whenever I haven’t had the opportunity to speak Portuguese for a long time, I use these apps to refresh myself.
My Personal Experience: The Journey of Learning Portuguese
In 2023, my husband’s professional needs led us to relocate to Lisbon. Therefore, I decided I needed to learn Portuguese in advance so I could communicate fluently with the locals upon arrival.
I enrolled in an online group class, where there were five of us. Our teacher focused on European Portuguese, which is commonly spoken in Portugal. Classes were held twice a week over Zoom, and there was a lot of homework assigned after each session.
In just a few months, my grasp became quite strong. Although the plan to move to Lisbon was canceled, I didn’t stop learning Portuguese. I also continued to revise Italian and Turkish—with the help of apps like Babbel, Mondly, and Duolingo. Today, my Portuguese proficiency is at approximately A2 level.
Roots of the Portuguese Language and Its Uniqueness
Before learning any language, it’s crucial to understand its roots. I, too, researched its history and characteristics before learning Portuguese.
Portuguese is a Romance language, belonging to the Indo-European language family, like French, Italian, and Spanish. It evolved from Latin, which dates back to around 216 BC. Old Portuguese, known as “Middle Galician” or “Galician-Portuguese,” traces its roots to the 9th century, while modern Portuguese developed during the 15th-16th centuries.
This language was spoken in the region called Lusitania, which later became “Portugal.” When Portuguese settlers arrived in South America, they called Brazil “New Lusitania.” Today, Portuguese is the mother tongue of over 279 million people, and countless more learn it as a second language.
It is the official language of Portugal, Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique, while it is spoken as a second language or a minority language in countries such as Macau, Timor-Leste, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
Some Interesting Features of the Portuguese Language
Portuguese’s uniqueness lies in its diversity.
- It is a pluricentric language—meaning it has two main forms: European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese.
- There are also several dialects within Portugal, such as those in Lisbon, the Azores, and Madeira.
- Until 2009, the Portuguese alphabet did not include “K,” “Y,” and “W,” but they were added due to the influence of English words.
- Portuguese is extremely rich in pronunciation. It includes vowel combinations such as monophthongs, diphthongs, and triphthongs, as well as over 20 consonant sounds and various stress patterns.
Which Portuguese form is better to learn?
This question depends on the purpose of your Portuguese learning.
If you’re traveling to Portugal or a Portuguese-speaking country in Africa, learning European Portuguese would be appropriate. But if you’re planning to visit Brazil or South America, Brazilian Portuguese would be more useful.
Best Apps for Learning Portuguese
Each language-learning app has a different approach—some are based on a gaming style, some on grammar, and some on real conversations.
I prefer apps that are fun, expand vocabulary, and provide speaking practice in real situations. Below, I’m sharing my experience with some popular and effective apps:
1. Babbel – The Best App for Beginners and Intermediate Students
Babbel is my favorite app because it teaches in a practical and interactive way. All of its lessons are created by language experts.
Key Features:
- Topic-based lessons and vocabulary exercises.
- Interactive exercises to strengthen memory.
- Real-life conversation examples.
Cost:
The first few lessons are free. Subscription plans are available later: - Self-Study Lessons: About $13.95 per month
- Babbel Live: $99 per month with live classes
2. Duolingo – A Free and Fun Way to Learn
Duolingo is one of the most popular language apps today. It offers reminders and Daily Streak features to help you develop a daily learning habit.
Key Features:
- Topic-based lessons and short exercises.
- Gamified experience – quests, challenges, and achievements.
- An interface suitable for all ages.
Cost:
The basic version is free. The premium version (Super Duolingo) is available for approximately $7.99/month or $47.99/year.
3. Rosetta Stone – Immersive Learning
This app teaches Portuguese in Portuguese, allowing you to absorb the language the same way you learned your mother tongue as a child.
Key Features:
- Speech Recognition* technology to improve pronunciation.
- The opportunity to take your time and learn in-depth.
- Additional live sessions and personalized coaching options.
Cost: - 3-month plan: $47.97
- 12-month plan: $126
- Lifetime Access: $399
4. Mondly – Make learning fun with technological innovations
Mondly is an award-winning app that teaches with modern technologies like AI chatbot, Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR).
Key Features:
- Supports both European and Brazilian Portuguese variants.
- Daily lessons, weekly quizzes, and monthly challenges.
- Comprehensive training in listening, speaking, writing, and reading.
Cost:
The free version is limited, but a premium version is available for $9.99/month or $47.99/year.
5. Pimsleur – Best for Improving Listening and Speaking Skills
If you’re an audio-based learner, Pimsleur is perfect for you. Its 30-minute lesson plans are perfect for listening while on the go, traveling, or between tasks.
Key Features:
- Focus on practical vocabulary.
- Audio lessons, quiz games, and a conversation trainer.
- Emphasis on learning correct pronunciation and accent.
Cost: - All Access Plan: $20.95 per month
- Premium: $150 per level
- Audio Only: $119.95 per level
Additional Resources and Tips
Language is learned not just from books, but also from culture. That’s why I enjoy cooking Portuguese dishes, listening to Portuguese podcasts, and watching local videos on YouTube. This not only increases my vocabulary but also helps me understand the rhythm and emotional tone of the language.
Conclusion: Learning Portuguese is an experience, not just a goal
My journey of learning Portuguese has been a journey of self-growth. Every new word, every correct pronunciation, and every conversation with a local brings me a little closer to the soul of Portugal.
Whether you choose European Portuguese or Brazilian Portuguese, remember—consistency is the key to success. With the right app, enthusiasm, and a little daily practice, you too will soon be able to say —
“Eu falo português!” (I speak Portuguese!)
