Perfect for beginners—press play and start learning today! 😊

This episode is based on one of my students, Dave, and it's specially made for A1-level Portuguese learners!

Dave is from the United States and listens to this podcast with his wife in the car. He dreams of living in Portugal with his family, and this episode tells a simplified story inspired by his motivation and routine.

New words:

• Caderno – Notebook
• Vizinho – Neighbor
• Passear – To stroll/walk
• Receita – Recipe
• Motivado – Motivated

Want to learn Portuguese with me? Book a private or group class on my website: portuguesewithmaria.carrd.co

☕ Support this podcast on Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria

In this special episode, I have an exciting invitation for you! If you enjoy this podcast and want to practice Portuguese with me, now you can—through private or group lessons! Private lessons are personalized for anyone who can already hold a conversation, focusing on conversation, grammar, vocabulary, writing, and pronunciation. They’re flexible and based on your interests!

Prefer learning with others? Join my new weekly group classes every Tuesday at 11am (Central European Time)! These fun and supportive sessions are for A2–B1 learners and are a great way to boost your confidence while connecting with other Portuguese learners around the world. All classes happen on Google Meet.

📖 5 new Portuguese words:

1. Convite – Invitation

2. Aula – Lesson/Class

3. Sozinho – Alone

4. Turma – Class/Group of students

5. Inscrever – To register/sign up

📢 Want to join a class? Book private or group Portuguese lessons with me on my website: portuguesewithmaria.carrd.co

☕ Love the podcast? Support it on Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria

Today's episode is with someone very special - my boyfriend Ludvig. We talk about how was our time in Portugal and a bit about his Portuguese learning process.

Check the transcription here buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria

Would you like to try and have a conversational class with me? - Book your trial lesson herehttps://portuguesewithmaria.carrd.co

Let me know what should I talk about next, on the comments ⬇️

In this episode, I share my day with my mother-in-law, who arrived from Sweden. I talk about a delicious breakfast in Foz do Porto, exploring the center of Aveiro, and when she met my grandmother for the first time in Costa Nova, and much more!

New Words:

• Sogra  - Mother-in-law
• Foz  - River mouth (specifically a location in Porto)
• Praça - Square
• Passadiços  - Boardwalks
• Pôr do sol - Sunset

If you enjoyed the episode and would like to support the podcast, you can “buy me a coffee” by clicking the link ☕ buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria.

Your support is greatly appreciated!

Feliz Ano Novo a todos!! Happy New Year everyone!

In this episode I will bring a special guest - my sister Marta! She talks about her new ceramics project (manteigaceramica.com) and everything she wants to achieve in 2025, among other personal resolutions like reading more books!

You can find the full transciption of this episode — and all past episodes on Buy Me a Coffee! ☕ buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria

And if you’d like to start this year with Portuguese classes, why not booking a trial lesson through my website ➡️ https://portuguesewithmaria.carrd.co

With simple Portuguese, this episode is perfect for beginners A1/A2

In this episode of Slow Portuguese with Maria, I talk about my journey through Australia, a vast and unique country. I share my impressions of its vibrant cities, and its extraordinary nature, filled with beaches, forests, and fascinating wildlife like kangaroos and koalas. 

If you’d like, consider supporting me on Buy Me a Coffee! ☕ buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria

New Words

• Ilha - island
• Floresta - forest
• Canguru - kangaroo
• Fresco - fresh, cold
• Comida - food

Hello, listeners! 

Welcome to another episode of Slow Portuguese with Maria! 🌟 Today, we’re exploring the differences between three essential Portuguese verbs: "conhecer" (to know/meet), "encontrar" (to find/meet up), and "conhecer-se" (to get to know oneself/each other). 

While these verbs may seem similar, each has a distinct meaning and use. In this episode, you’ll learn how to use them correctly in sentences like:

• ​"Eu conheço Lisboa" (I know Lisbon).
• ​"Vou encontrar a Joana às três" (I’m meeting Joana at 3 o’clock).
• ​"É importante conhecer-se a si mesmo" (It’s important to know oneself).

If you’d like, consider supporting me on Buy Me a Coffee! ☕ buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria

Thank you for listening, and see you in the next episode!

In this episode of Slow Portuguese with Maria, I talk about the emotional challenges of being far from my family in Portugal. I share how I stay connected through technology and how affordable Ryanair flights make visiting home easier. I also discuss the feelings of homesickness, guilt, and how I try to balance the physical distance with emotional closeness. If you're far from your family, I hope this episode brings you some comfort and useful tips.

If you enjoyed the episode and would like to support the podcast, you can “buy me a coffee” by clicking the link below. Your support is greatly appreciated!

buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria

New Words

• Desafio – challenge
• Ligação – connection
• Saudade – longing, homesickness
• Impotente – powerless
• Culpa – guilt

Send all you European Portuguese doubts to portuguesewithmaria.info@gmail.com and if you'd like to practice your Portuguese with conversation classes you can book a trial lesson through my website ➡️ https://portuguesewithmaria.carrd.co

In this episode of Slow Portuguese with Maria, we dive into the useful expression "ir ter com", which means "to go meet" someone you already know. I explain the structure and usage of this phrase through practical examples, making it easy for you to incorporate it into your everyday conversations. Whether you're meeting friends, family, or acquaintances, this expression is essential for sounding more natural in Portuguese.

If you enjoyed the episode and would like to support the podcast, you can “buy me a coffee” by clicking the link below. Your support is greatly appreciated!

buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria

Examples from the Episode:

• "Hoje vou ter com o João às cinco da tarde.""Today I'm going to meet João at five in the afternoon."
• "Amanhã vou ter com a minha família para jantar.""Tomorrow I'm going to meet my family for dinner."
• "Vou ter com os meus amigos ao café.""I'm going to meet my friends at the café."

In today’s episode of Slow Portuguese with Maria, I’ll be sharing my experience learning Swedish. From the initial challenges of memorizing words and relying on English to those moments when I finally felt confident speaking Swedish on my own, this is my language-learning journey. I’ll also share some useful tips for anyone learning a new language and remind you that the process can be fun if we approach it with the right attitude. I hope my story inspires you to keep going or start your own language-learning adventure!

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to support the podcast, you can “buy me a coffee” by clicking the link below. Thank you so much for your support!

buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria

New Words

• Memorizar – to memorize
• Desafios – challenges
• Confiante – confident
• Frustração – frustration
• Progredir – to progress

Send all you European Portuguese doubts to portuguesewithmaria.info@gmail.com and if you'd like to practice your Portuguese with conversation classes you can book a trial lesson through my website ➡️ https://portuguesewithmaria.carrd.co

In this episode of we cover three essential verbs in European Portuguese: "Gostar", "Começar", and "Acabar". You’ll learn the rules and prepositions that accompany these verbs in various contexts. We’ll also explore the idiomatic expression "a torto e a direito", used to describe chaotic or disorganized situations. 

• "Gostar de" is always used with the preposition "de".
• "Começar a" indicates the beginning of an action.
• "Começar por" is used in a sequence.
• "Acabar de" means that something has just happened
• "Acabar por" indicates a decision made at the end of a situation.

Send all you European Portuguese doubts to portuguesewithmaria.info@gmail.com and if you'd like to practice your Portuguese with conversation classes you can book a trial lesson through my website ➡️ https://portuguesewithmaria.carrd.co

In this episode of Slow Portuguese with Maria, I take you on a personal journey through my hometown, Aveiro.

Known as the "Venice of Portugal" for its stunning canals and colorful striped houses, Aveiro holds a special place in my heart.

I’ll share stories about my childhood, how my perspective on life there has changed, and my thoughts on city living, car culture, and sustainable habits.

New Words

Enquanto – While

Litoral – Coastline

Praticamente – Practically or basically

Maneira – Way or manner

Colorido – Colorful

Send all you European Portuguese doubts to portuguesewithmaria.info@gmail.com

In this 24th episode, I continue sharing the changes in my life since moving from Portugal to Sweden. From punctuality at parties to safety habits like wearing helmets and reflectors, I reflect on the small (but surprising!) ways my lifestyle has adapted.

Have you moved to a new country?

I’d love to hear what changed for you—maybe your story will even be featured in a future episode!

New words:

• Rotina – Routine
• Aniversário – Birthday
• Refletor – Reflector
• Capacete – Helmet
• Convidar – To invite

Want to practice your Portuguese? Book conversation classes with me through my website: portuguesewithmaria.carrd.co

☕ Support this podcast on Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria

In today’s episode we look into the differences between these three tricky constructions in European Portuguese: "ir a", "ir para", and the rarely used "ir em". You’ll learn when to use each one, whether it’s for a short visit, a more permanent move.

• Fui ao supermercado: I went to the supermarket (a short visit).
• Vou a Lisboa amanhã:  I am going to Lisbon tomorrow (a short visit).
• Vou ao médico:  I go to the doctor (a short visit).
• Vou para casa: I am going home and I will no come back (permanent visit)
• Eu vou a casa: I am going home and I will come back  (I forgot my jacket and it’s cold)

NEVER NEVER NEVER

Eu vou no restaurante

Eu vou no médico

Exciting News! If you’re supporting the podcast on Buy Me a Coffee, you can now access the full transcription for this episode. It’s a fantastic tool to enhance your learning and follow along more easily.

https://buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria/6-gramtica-ir-ir-para-e-ir-em

Thanks so much for your support, and enjoy the episode!

Send all you European Portuguese doubts to portuguesewithmaria.info@gmail.com

Great News! Supporters on Buy Me a Coffee now have exclusive access to the complete transcription of this episode! It’s a helpful resource to improve your listening skills and follow along with ease.

https://buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria/5-a-minha-viagem-austrlia

In this episode, I’ll talk about my upcoming trip to Australia! I’ll share how I planned the journey, what I’m packing, where I’ll be staying, and some of the activities I’m excited about—like snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef and visiting Seal Rocks. I’ll also talk about my concerns, including driving on the left side of the road and encountering Australia’s famous wildlife.

Palavras Novas:

Exciting News! If you’re supporting the podcast on Buy Me a Coffee, you can now access the full transcription for this episode. It’s a fantastic tool to enhance your learning and follow along more easily.

https://buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria/4-gramtica-andar-p-andar-de-carro

Today we learn a bit more about the prepositions a and de when we go somewhere. Here's the examples I talk about in this episode:

• Eu vou ao supermercado a pé.
• Ela vai para o trabalho de bicicleta todos os dias.
• Nós vamos de carro para a praia.
• Eu vou para Lisboa de comboio porque a gasolina está muito cara. 
• Eu vou demorar um bocadinho porque estou a ir de autocarro e está muito trânsito. 

Good news! If you’re a supporter on Buy Me a Coffee, you now have access to the full transcription of this episode. It’s a great way to follow along and boost your comprehension!

https://buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria/3-a-minha-rotina-em-estocolmo

In today’s episode, I’ll talk about my daily routine here in Stockholm, Sweden. I’ll share how my days go, from studying Swedish in the mornings and teaching Portuguese online, to walking in nature and spending time at home.

I also talk about the cultural differences I’ve experienced, like the Swedish connection to nature, the marked seasons, and how planning is essential for meeting friends. I hope you enjoy getting to know more about my life here!

Palavras novas:

Rotina - routine

Natureza - nature

Acessível - Accessible, easy to reach or use

Antecedência - in advance

Garantir - to make sure

Send all your questions to portuguesewithmaria.info@gmail.com

Welcome to the very first episode of this podcast! In this episode, I’ll introduce myself and give you a bit of background about who I am, where I live, and my age. I’ll also share what this podcast is all about and who it’s for. Whether you’re a beginner learning European Portuguese or just curious about life and culture in Portugal, this podcast is for you.

I’ll be talking about various topics such as:

• Portuguese culture and daily life in Portugal.
• Answering your questions (feel free to send them my way!).
• What it’s like to live as an immigrant.
• Portuguese food, art, and books.
• Plus, I’ll give you plenty of grammar and pronunciation tips!

As a language learner myself, I know the challenges. Podcasts with slow Swedish helped me a lot when I was learning, and I hope this podcast can do the same for you as you learn Portuguese.

I also bring my experience as a teacher—where I’ve seen firsthand the difficulties my students face—and I’m here to help you overcome those hurdles. If you're interested in taking lessons with me, you can book a session through my website https://portuguesewithmaria.carrd.co

Send all your questions or doubts to portuguesewithmaria.info@gmail.com

Neste episódio, conto-vos a minha história de como vim parar à Suécia há quatro anos para estudar Ciências Ambientais na universidade. Falo sobre como foi a adaptação, desde estudar online e fazer amigos, até conhecer o meu namorado através de um encontro no Tinder.

Partilho também o que adoro neste país: o estilo de vida com a natureza sempre por perto, as ciclovias, os transportes públicos de qualidade e a comida incrível. A língua sueca foi um desafio, mas com o tempo fui aprendendo, embora no início falasse muito inglês porque os suecos são super fluentes. Também explico como a parte burocrática é muito mais simples e rápida do que em Portugal.

Agora vivo perto da família do meu namorado, o que é ótimo para mim. Como portuguesa, estar com a família é muito importante, e tive a sorte de ser recebida de braços abertos pela família sueca.

Claro que as saudades de Portugal estão sempre presentes, mas viajar para lá é fácil e barato hoje em dia, graças à Ryanair.

E tu, também és imigrante? Como foi para ti adaptares-te a um novo país? Foi difícil aprender a língua? Partilha comigo a tua experiência!

Send all your questions to portuguesewithmaria.info@gmail.com

In this episode of Slow Portuguese With Maria, I talk about the daily life changes I experienced after moving from Portugal to Sweden. From meal schedules to bedtime routines and even how I greet people, some habits have completely transformed! Listen to hear about my adaptation process and learn five new Portuguese words along the way.

New words:

• Cumprimentar – to greet
• Impressão – (strange) feeling / discomfort
• Passou-bem – handshake
• Lanche – snack
• Adaptação – adaptation

Enjoy the episode and let me know: Have you ever moved to a new country? What changed in your life?

In this episode of Slow Portuguese with Maria, I talk about the seasons (of the year) and how they are different in Sweden and Portugal.

I share what I love about each season and why Spring is my favorite! 🌸

I also tell you about my new group Portuguese classes, happening every Tuesday at 11 AM CET, and I take a moment to thank some special people for their support.

New words:

• Florescer – to bloom
• Pôr-do-sol – sunset
• Caminhada – hike, walk in nature
• Folhas – leaves
• Gelo – ice

👉 You can read the full transcription of this episode on my Buy Me a Coffee page buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria

🎧 Listen now and let me know: What’s your favorite season? 😊

In this episode of Slow Portuguese with Maria, I talk with my boyfriend, Ludvig, about our recent ski trip.

It was a short but eventful adventure, full of challenges and surprises—from car rental troubles to navigating an electric vehicle for the first time.

We also share how the ski conditions were amazing, the weather was perfect, and our cabin was cozy with a fireplace. However, the trip ended with a dramatic moment when my father had a skiing accident, leading to a hospital visit.

Listen to our story in slow, simple Portuguese, perfect for beginners!

New Words

• Estância - resort
• Alugar - to rent
• Bateria - battery
• Enfermaria - infirmary
• Baixa médica - medical leave

You can have access to the transcription of this episode on the link ➡️ buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria ☕️

Hello everyone, and welcome to Slow Portuguese with Maria! 🎙️ In today’s episode, I’m going to share how running became a big passion in my life. I didn’t love it at first, but over time, I discovered its amazing benefits—not just for the body, but also for the mind. I’ll tell you about my journey, the changes I experienced, and even give you some tips if you’re thinking about starting to run!

And as always, if you’d like to support the podcast and get access to the full transcript of this episode, you can "buy me a coffee" ☕ through the link buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria⁠ Your support helps me continue creating content for you! 💛

New words

• Respiração - Breathing
• Fortalecer - To strengthen
• Desfrutar - To enjoy
• Sapatilhas - Sneakers
• Sustentável - Sustainable

In this episode of Slow Portuguese with Maria, we dive into two commonly used verbs in European Portuguese: achar and pensar.

At first glance, they may seem similar, but they serve different purposes in everyday conversations.

We explore how achar is more frequently used to express personal opinions or assumptions, while pensar refers to deeper, reflective thinking.

I also discuss some common mistakes learners make, such as placing " eu acho" at the end of a sentence and how to correctly express negations using "acho que não" instead of "não acho". 

If you enjoy the episode, don't forget to share it and consider buying me a coffee to support the podcast. Your support helps me continue to create content for all of you! ☕️ buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria

Examples Used in the Episode:

• "Eu acho que este filme é muito bom."(I think this movie is really good.)

• "Acho que está a chover lá fora."(I think it’s raining outside.)

• "Estou a pensar em mudar de casa."(I am thinking about moving house.)

• "Ele pensa muito sobre o futuro."(He thinks a lot about the future.)

• "Ele vai chegar tarde, acho eu." (He’s going to arrive late, I think.)

• "Acho que não vai chover hoje."(I don’t think it will rain today.)

Send all you European Portuguese doubts to portuguesewithmaria.info@gmail.com and if you'd like to practice your Portuguese with conversation classes you can book a trial lesson throughmy website ➡️ https://portuguesewithmaria.carrd.co

In this episode of Slow Portuguese with Maria, I talk about a very special topic: my family! This is a perfect opportunity for learners to practice family-related vocabulary and learn how to talk about ages in Portuguese.

I introduce my family members, their names, and their ages, giving you real-life examples of how to use these words in a conversation. 

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to share it, and you can always support the podcast by buying me a coffee ☕ through ⁠buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmariaYour support means the world to me and helps me continue making more episodes for you!

New Words

• Irmã – Sister
• Primo/prima – Cousin
• Bisavós – Great-grandparents
• Querido/querida – Dear, affectionate, sweet

Send all you European Portuguese doubts to portuguesewithmaria.info@gmail.com and if you'd like to practice your Portuguese with conversation classes you can book a trial lesson throughmy website ➡️ https://portuguesewithmaria.carrd.co

In this episode of Slow Portuguese with Maria, I share some of my all-time favorite dishes from Portugal’s rich and diverse culinary traditions. From the comforting Bacalhau com Natas to the fantastic Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato, I’ll take you through the flavors that remind me of home I also talk about the famous Pastel de Nata. Whether you’re a food lover or just curious about Portuguese cuisine, this episode will definitely leave you craving for more!

If you enjoyed the episode and would like to support the podcast, you can “buy me a coffee” by clicking the link below. Your support is greatly appreciated!

buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria⁠

New Words

• Bacalhau – codfish
• “Estou com água na boca” – I’m drooling" or "I’m salivating" It is commonly used to express that someone finds a particular food very appealing or delicious, to the point that they feel an intense craving for it. Essentially, it conveys the idea that the food looks so good that it makes you want to eat it right away!
• Sabor – flavor
• Sobremesa – dessert
• Batata frita – fried potatoes, french fries

In this episode, you’ll meet Inês—a fictional character whose life might remind you of your own! This story is perfect for A2 learners who want to practice the present, past (imperfect), and a little future tense in Portuguese. You’ll follow Inês through her current daily routine in Braga, learn about her past life in Lisbon, and hear about her hopes for the future. This episode is full of everyday vocabulary and useful sentence structures to help you improve your listening and speaking skills.

New words:

• Acordar – To wake up
• Duche – Shower
• Autocarro – Bus
• Horário – Schedule
• Rotina – Routine

Want to practice your Portuguese in real conversations? Book a private or group lesson with me: portuguesewithmaria.carrd.co

☕ Love the podcast? You can support it on Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria

In this episode of Slow Portuguese With Maria, I share everything that happened during my one-month trip to Portugal—starting with a surprise birth on the very day I landed! 🍼

I also talk about running my first half-marathon in Aveiro, going to a concert in Lisbon, and spending meaningful time with my family and friends. Now back in Sweden, I reflect on my trip and there is exciting updates for the podcast.

New Words:

• Coincidência – coincidence
• Hospital – hospital
• Trajeto – route / path
• Maratona – marathon
• Beijinho – little kiss (often used as a warm sign-off)

Send all you European Portuguese doubts to portuguesewithmaria.info@gmail.com and if you'd like to practice your Portuguese with conversation classes you can book a trial lesson through my website ➡️ https://portuguesewithmaria.carrd.co

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to support the podcast, you can “buy me a coffee” by clicking the link below. Thank you so much for your support! buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria

In this episode, I talk about one of the most common mistakes my students make: confusing the verbs "pedir" and "perguntar" in Portuguese.
They look similar, but their meanings are different — and knowing when to use each one will make your Portuguese sound much more natural!

You'll hear lots of clear examples and get a chance to practice at the end of the episode.

New words:

• perguntar – to ask (a question)
• pedir – to ask for (something)
• empregado – waiter
• boleia – ride/lift (in a car)
• imposto – tax

Like the podcast? You can support my work on Buy Me a Coffee – a big obrigada to everyone who already has!

I also offer private online lessons if you want to practice your Portuguese with me. You can book a trial lesson through my website ➡️ https://portuguesewithmaria.carrd.co

In this episode, I imagine my dream house — and invite you to imagine yours too.
Where is it? What does it look like? What animals live there?
You'll hear lots of useful vocabulary for describing houses, nature, and your ideal lifestyle in Portuguese.

This episode is great for A2-B1 learners who want to practice listening, pick up new words naturally, and have fun dreaming in Portuguese!

New words:

• despensa – pantry
• horta – vegetable garden
• alpendre – porch
• hall – entrance hall
• galinhas – hens

☕ If you like the podcast, you can support my work on Buy Me a Coffee – thank you so much to everyone who already has!

And if you want to practise your Portuguese with me, I also offer private online lessons. Send me a message to know more!

In this episode of Slow Portuguese with Maria, we celebrate a very special date: June 10th, the Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities. This episode is full of cultural and historical insight.

What you’ll learn about:

• - The meaning and importance of June 10 in Portugal

• - Who Luís de Camões was and why he’s considered the greatest poet in the Portuguese language

• - A brief introduction to his epic poem Os Lusíadas

• - How the Portuguese celebrate this national holiday today

• - Where Camões is buried — and what that means!

New words:

• Feriado – Public holiday
• Epopeia – Epic poem
• Descobrimentos – Discoveries
• Cerimónia – Ceremony
• Sepultado – Buried

This is a great episode for learners who love culture, history, and the Portuguese language. Ideal for level A2–B1.

Want to learn Portuguese with me? Book private or group classes at portuguesewithmaria.carrd.co

In this episode, we explore three key expressions for talking about the time of day in Portuguese: de manhã (in the morning), à tarde (in the afternoon), and à noite (at night).

These expressions are essential when describing your daily routine or telling a story—but many learners use them incorrectly.

So, let’s clarify how they work with clear examples in the present and past (imperfect) tenses.

This episode is perfect for A1–A2 learners!

New words:

• De manhã – In the morning
• À tarde – In the afternoon
• À noite – At night
• Consulta – Appointment
• Digerir – To digest

Practice using these expressions in your own stories and daily routines!

Ready to take your Portuguese to the next level? Book a private or group class with me: portuguesewithmaria.carrd.co

☕ Love the podcast? Support it on Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria

Hi friends! In this episode, I talk about something I really love: travelling. I’ll tell you about the continents and countries I’ve already visited — and the places I still dream of going. From the history and beaches of Europe to the food and culture of Southeast Asia, and my dream of doing a safari in Africa or dancing in Brazil... I share a bit of everything!

New words:

• continente – continent
• mota – motorbike
• passadeira – pedestrian crossing
• hipopótamos– hipo
• peões – pedestrians

💛 Muito obrigada to Caroline, Mark, Paul, Ygor — and Douglas, my first monthly supporter!If you like this podcast and want to support it, you can buy me a coffee. Every little bit helps me keep going.

And if you'd like to practise speaking with me, I also give private lessons online - portuguesewithmaria.carrd.co

Olá! In this episode, I talk about  the five senses.
I’ll take you through how we use vision, hearing, smell, taste and touch in our daily lives — and how important they are for our memories, emotions, and relationships.

New words:

• visão – vision
• audição – hearing
• olfato – smell
• paladar – taste
• tato – touch

💛 Muito obrigada to Edward and Paul for becoming monthly supporters, and to Chelsea for the coffees!
If you like this podcast and want to support it, you can buy me a coffee. It really means a lot and helps me keep going ☕💛

🎓 I also give private online lessons if you want to practice your Portuguese with me. You can book here

Obrigada por ouvires, até já! 💛

🌸 Check the transcriptions with the english translation, subscribe to my newsletter and become a monthly supporter all at the same time  ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria/membership

💬 And if you’d like to book Portuguese conversation classes with me, you can do it on my website: ⁠https://slowportuguesewithmaria.com⁠

In this episode, I talk about sports and activities I’ve done throughout my life — from rhythmic gymnastics and tennis to painting and piano — and also the new things I still want to try.

You’ll hear useful vocabulary related to hobbies, sports, and free time, while practicing listening to natural European Portuguese.

This is a great episode if you want to talk about your own experiences, interests, and future goals in Portuguese.

New Words:

• ao longo da minha vida - throughout my life
• exigente - demanding
• pela primeira vez - for the first time
• ter jeito - to be good at something
• paciência - patience

In today’s episode, I’m doing something a little different.

This is my first partnership, and I’m really excited to share it with you 😊 I’ll introduce a vocabulary learning app I’ve recently started using, and that has been helping me keep track of new words — especially now that I’m learning Swedish.

The episode is divided into two parts:
First, I explain everything in English.
Then, I go through everything again in Portuguese, so you can follow along and learn useful vocabulary at the same time.

If you’d like to try the app, you can visit:
http://mivoca.app/maria

You can also use the code MARIA to get $5 off the annual Plus plan.

As always, muito obrigada for listening 💛

🌸 Check the transcriptions with the english translation, subscribe to my newsletter and become a monthly supporter all at the same time here

💬 And if you’d like to book Portuguese conversation classes with me, you can do it on my website: https://slowportuguesewithmaria.com

In this first episode of 2026, I share a few of my personal resolutions for the new year. Nothing big or perfect — just simple things I’d like to have more space for in my life, like baking sourdough bread, reading more books, and sewing more.

I also talk about how I see resolutions not as obligations, but as gentle directions. This is a calm and reflective episode to start the year slowly and intentionally.

New Words:

• ​resoluções = resolutions
• ​massa-mãe = sourdough
• ​costurar = to sew
• ​máquina de costura = sewing machine
• ​passo = step

Subscribe to the Newsletter here 🌸 two new words per week

☕ You can support this podcast here 

💬 And if you’d like to book Portuguese conversation classes with me, you can do it on my website

In this final episode of 2025, I slow down and speak to you in a more personal way. There’s no grammar and no specific vocabulary today — just a moment to pause, reflect on the year, and say thank you. I talk about learning languages, about ups and downs, about growth, and about continuing this journey calmly, without pressure. This episode is an invitation to end the year gently and look ahead to 2026 with curiosity and kindness.

New Words

• desafio = challenge
• aprendizagem = learning
• pressa = rush / hurry
• caminho = path / journey

‼️Subscribe to my newsletter ⁠here

☕ You can support this podcast by buying me a symbolic coffee here: buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria.

💬 And if you’d like to book Portuguese conversation classes with me, you can do it on my website: https://slowportuguesewithmaria.com

Muito obrigada for listening and até à próxima! 💛

‼️Subscribe to my newsletter here

☕ You can support this podcast by buying me a symbolic coffee here: buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria.

💬 And if you’d like to book Portuguese conversation classes with me, you can do it on my website: https://slowportuguesewithmaria.com

In this episode, I tell you a small but very real story that happened to me at the post office — the kind of moment every language learner knows! I talk about selling items on Vinted, meeting an older man who didn’t take a ticket, and how I suddenly couldn’t find the right words in swedish when I wanted to let him go first.

New Words

• senha = ticket (service number)
• correios = post office
• fita-cola = tape
• mochila = backpack
• candeeiro = lamp

Muito obrigada for listening and até à próxima! 💛

☕ You can now subscribe to the Newsletter here

💬 And if you’d like to book Portuguese conversation classes with me, you can do it on my website: https://slowportuguesewithmaria.com

In this episode, I talk about what I’ve been eating for breakfast lately. I explain how my breakfast changes throughout the year, and I describe my current autumn routine: toasted oats with butter and honey, warm fruit from the freezer, chia pudding made the night before, Greek yogurt, rosehip powder, nuts, seeds, coconut flakes and a splash of milk. It’s a nutritious and filling breakfast that keeps me energised for hours — and I love making it!

New Words:

• aveia = oats
• frutos secos = nuts
• roseira-mosqueta  = rosehip
• pudim de chia = chia pudding
• frigideira = frying pan

Muito obrigada for listening and até à próxima! 💛

In this episode, I talk about my relationship with coffee — how it started in Portugal, how it changed after moving abroad, and how my morning coffee became a daily ritual. From the perfect Portuguese expresso to my current café de cafeteira, I share how my habits (and taste!) evolved over time.

New Words

• expresso = espresso
• cafeteira = coffee maker (filter coffee machine)
• abatanado = long espresso
• garoto = small espresso with milk
• leite vegetal = plant-based milk

☕ You can support this podcast by buying me a symbolic coffee here: buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria.

💬 And if you’d like to book Portuguese conversation classes with me, you can do it on my website: https://slowportuguesewithmaria.com

Muito obrigada for listening and até à próxima! 💛

In this episode I talk about three famous Portuguese people and who inspire me: Cristiano Ronaldo, Joana Vasconcelos, and Catarina Furtado. Each of them represents a different area — sport, art, and communication — and all show the best of Portugal in different ways.

New Words

• jogador de futebol = football player

In this episode I talk about some common “false friends” between Portuguese and English — words that look similar but mean something very different.

A fun way to avoid mistakes when speaking Portuguese!

New Words of the Episode:

If you’d like to practice speaking Portuguese with me, you can book conversational classes through my website https://slowportuguesewithmaria.com

And if you’d like to support this podcast, you can do so here: https://buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria

Olá! In this episode, I share with you one of the most famous and dramatic love stories in Portuguese history: the story of Pedro and Inês de Castro.

This is a tale of love, politics, betrayal, and tragedy that happened in the 14th century and that still shapes Portuguese culture and identity today. I take you back to medieval Portugal to discover how a forbidden romance turned into one of the greatest legends of the country.

📖 Here's the book I recommend - the historical novel Inês de Castro by Isabel Stilwell. You can find it ⁠here on Amazon⁠.

New Words​

• ​século – centur​y
• ​príncipe – princ​e
• ​rainha – queen
• ​túmulo – tom​b
• ​mosteiro – monastery

☕ You can support this podcast here: buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria.

💬 And if you’d like to book Portuguese conversation classes with me, you can do it through my website: https://slowportuguesewithmaria.com

Obrigada for listening, and até ao próximo episódio!

Olá! In this episode, I talk about my closest friends. I use fictitious names, but I tell you what they do, where they live, and how their lives are. From a nutritionist in Porto to a graphic designer who surfs every day, from a banker in Singapore to an architect in Rome, and even a psychologist in Lisbon and a programmer by the beach — each friend has her own unique story. I also share how important these friendships are to me, even though we live far apart.

New Words:

☕ You can support this podcast here: buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria.

💬 And if you’d like to book Portuguese conversation classes with me, you can do it through my website: https://slowportuguesewithmaria.com

Muito obrigada for listening, and até ao próximo episódio!

🌸 Check the transcriptions with the english translation, subscribe to my newsletter and become a monthly supporter all at the same time  ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria/membership

💬 And if you’d like to book Portuguese conversation classes with me, you can do it on my website: ⁠https://slowportuguesewithmaria.com⁠

In this episode of Slow Portuguese With Maria, I talk about one of the most important parts of Portuguese daily life: coffee!

Portugal is famous for its coffee culture. From the small, strong espresso to the abatanado, galão, and meia de leite, coffee is not just a drink — it’s a ritual. I explain how and when Portuguese people usually drink coffee, from the first cup in the morning to a quick espresso at the café counter, or after lunch or dinner.

New Words:

• Chávena – cup
• Abatanado – a long espresso (less strong than an espresso)
• Galão – coffee with a lot of milk, served in a tall glass
• Meia de leite – half coffee, half milk
• Esplanada – outdoor café terrace

On this episode of the Slow Portuguese With Maria, I will tell you things that I like and things that I don't like.

Hope you like it!

☕ You can support this podcast by buying me a symbolic coffee here: buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria.

💬 And if you’d like to book Portuguese conversation classes with me, you can do it on my website: https://slowportuguesewithmaria.com

Muito obrigada for listening and até à próxima! 💛

Olá! In this episode, I tell you all about my amazing weekend in Sweden. From visiting a second-hand market in Stockholm, to swimming in a lake, running a 10 km night race, and then spending Sunday in the countryside at my boyfriend’s uncle’s traditional Swedish wooden house — it was unforgettable! We picked mushrooms, rowed on the river, swam in an abandoned mine, and I even found great second-hand clothes for just seven euros.

New Words:

• feira – fair / market
• ressaca – hangover
• mina – mine (place where minerals are extracted)
• cogumelos – mushrooms
• camisola de manga comprida – long-sleeved shirt

☕ You can support this podcast by buying me a symbolic coffee here: buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria.

💬 And if you’d like to book Portuguese conversation classes with me, you can do it on my website: https://slowportuguesewithmaria.com

Muito obrigada for listening and até à próxima! 💛

Olá! In this episode, I talk about some very interesting Portuguese words that change meaning depending on the context — like banco, vela, or manga. This can be confusing at first, but it’s also one of the most fun parts of learning a language! I share lots of examples so you can recognize these words in real conversations and know which meaning is correct.

New Words:

• banco – bank / bench

• vela – candle / sail

• manga – sleeve / mango

• molho – sauce / bunch (of herbs, flowers…)

• cara – face / expensive (feminine)

☕ If you’d like to support my work, you can buy me a symbolic coffee here: buymeacoffee.com/slowportuguesewithmaria – it truly helps me keep making this free content.

You can also book private Portuguese conversation lessons with me on my website: https://portuguesewithmaria.carrd.co.

Muito obrigada for listening and for learning with me. Até já! 💛