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Intermediate B1
This intensive course is for language learners striving toward the B1level. The language of instruction is Portuguese. I will speak in English only if needed.
Geared toward Absolute Beginners, this course gives you a solid start and foundation to build upon. The language of instruction is almost entirely in English.
This is an introductory course to the Portuguese language as spoken in Portugal. Throughout the course, we will focus on the Portuguese sound system and basic Portuguese grammar.
You will also learn how to introduce yourself and day-to-day, useful phrases. Finally, we will discuss learning resources and strategies to support your learning journey.
After the course, you will have a basic understanding of European Portuguese pronunciation and grammar. You will also be capable of engaging in simple, short oral interactions. Last but not least, you will be aware of a variety of learning resources and strategies to help you succeed at learning the language.
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Beginners A2
This intensive course is for language learners striving toward the A2 level. The language of instruction is English/Portuguese, typically in a 35/65 ratio.
This intensive course is for language learners striving toward the A1level. The language of instruction is English/Portuguese, typically in a 70/30 ratio.
If you've just started your learning journey, it may be that you will find this course a bit challenging. Nothing wrong with that.
However, if you think you'd have trouble coping with a challenging learning environment, consider enrolling for the Clean Slate A0 instead (if available).
I’ve noticed that Portuguese language learners often use the verb Andar when they actually want to say Ir, and vice-versa.
This happens almost without exception in a context where means of transport and mobility are implied.
Here’s the difference. We use Andar to talk about means of transport in general. However, we switch over to Ir as soon as we also mention the final destination:
ANDAR Eu ando de carro todos os dias. I use my car every day.
IR Amanhã, vou de carro até ao Porto. Tomorrow, I am going to Porto by car.
Now, both these verbs are high-frequency verbs and their usage goes well beyond the specific context mentioned above. I invite you to dive into these and other verb relics in my course Portuguese Verb Gems.
Andar
Conjugation
Here’re a few verb forms of the regular* verb andar:
A Susana anda 9 km todos os dias. Susana walks 9 km every day.
Greetings
We use andar when we casually greet other people:
Então, como andas? Hi, what’s up?
Olá, como é que tens andado? Hi, how have you been?
Lately
We also use andar to talk about things we’ve been doing lately:
Ando a estudar Alemão. I’ve been reading German.
Olá, como é que tens andado? Hi, how have you been?
Also, to talk about how we’ve been getting on or feeling lately:
Ando preocupado ultimamente. I’ve been worrying lately.
Tens andado calmo? Have you been feeling calm?
Means of transport
We use andar to refer to means of transport:
Eu ando muito de comboio. I use the train a lot.
A Patrícia tem medo de andar de avião. Patrícia is afraid of planes.
Costumas andar de bicicleta? Do you cycle often?
As mentioned in the introduction, it is in this context (means of transport) that confusion between andar and ir arises.
Again, as soon as we also mention direction or final destination, we’d use ir instead of andar. Let’s then look more closely at this other verb.
Ir
Conjugation
Here’re a few conjugations for the irregular verb ir*:
Presente
Pretérito perfeito
Pretérito imperfeito
Eu
vou
fui
ia
Tu
vais
foste
ias
Ele, ela
vai
foi
ia
Nós
vamos
fomos
íamos
Vós Eles, elas
vão
foram
iam
* Ir is actually regular in the imperfect tense (pretérito imperfeito). Learn more about Portuguese irregular verbs: Portuguese Must-Know Irregular Verbs.
Usage
Go
Granted, ir is the Portuguese equivalent of go and we use it to express movement (towards a final destination).
– Onde vais? – Vou à mercearia.
– Where are you going? – I am going to the grocery store.
And so, we say ir de, not andar de, when we mention the means of transport that takes us to the final destination:
Hoje vou de comboio à aldeia dos meus pais. Today, I’m taking the train to my parents’ village.
A Patrícia foi de carro a Paris. Patrícia went to Paris by car.
Costumas ir de bicicleta para o trabalho? Do you normally cycle to work?
Future time
Finally, we use ir as an auxiliary verb to mark the future time (analogously to the structure be going to):
Amanhã, vou estudar o dia inteiro. Tomorrow, I’m going to study for the whole day.
Vais adorar este sumo. Prova! You’re going to love this juice. Give it a try!
