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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.
Any questions?
Can't you attend any courses this season? Fill up this form and I will keep you posted on upcoming Intensive Courses.
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).
Often, language learners get confused by the Portuguese prepositions para and por. While it is true that both are prepositions of movement, we use them under different circumstances.
So, what’s the difference between para and por?
Shortly, para indicates movement with an emphasis on direction and final destination, whereas por suggests a passing-by motion and itinerary. While the former often corresponds to the English preposition “to”, the latter corresponds to either “by” or “through”:
Para Esta camioneta vai para Lisboa. This bus goes to Lisbon.
Por A camioneta passa por Leiria. (a caminho de Lisboa) The bus passes by Leiria. (on its way to Lisbon)
Now, prepositions in general are multifaceted and these two are not exceptions as their usage goes well beyond that of prepositions of movement.
If you want to dive deeper into these and other prepositions, I invite you to take a peek at my in-depth course on Portuguese prepositions: The Big 5.
Below, we’ll look at each of them in greater detail. Read on.
We use por to indicate passage, or in other words, to denote an on-the-go transitory state. Here are a few examples:
Hoje de manhã passaste por mim no centro. Não me viste? This morning you passed me by in the city center. Haven’t you seen me?
Ontem passei pelo supermercado para comprar cerveja. Yesterday, I dropped by the supermarket to buy some beer.
We also use por when we talk about a route or itinerary:
Vai por Coimbra, a paisagem é mais agradável. Go via Coimbra, the landscape is more pleasant.
Ele foi pela estrada nova. He took the new road.
Place
We use por to denote uncertain, non-specific whereabouts. In other words, por implies spatial vagueness. It can also convey that the speaker is not so familiar with the place in point:
Ela está a viajar por África. She’s traveling in África
Ele vive por Lisboa. He lives somewhere in Lisbon.
Time
We use por to denote time approximation:
Ela chega hoje de Paris pelas 13h. She arrives today from Paris around 3 pm.
Finally, we also use por to refer to a time period:
Ela fica na Suécia por dois anos. She will stay in Sweden for two years.
Cause
Finally, we use por to indicate a cause (the equivalent of for in English):
Não fui viajar por motivos de saúde. I didn’t go traveling for health reasons.
Faço isto por ti. I do this for you.
Obrigado pelo presente. Thank you for the present.
