8. Gramática: Gostar, Começar e Acabar

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 access to the full transcription of this episode — and all past episodes — 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). Plus, we’ll cover examples for both planned and chance encounters, as well as uses for objects and self-awareness. If you’d like access to the full transcription of this episode — and all past episodes — 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 5 New Words from this Episode: Desafio – challenge Ligação – connection Saudade – longing, homesickness Impotente – powerless Culpa – guilt Send all you European Portuguese doubts to [email protected] 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." "Ela vai ter com a professora para tirar dúvidas.""She is going to meet the teacher to ask questions." Send all you European Portuguese doubts to [email protected] 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 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 '5 New Words from this Episode: Memorizar – to memorize Desafios – challenges Confiante – confident Frustração – frustration Progredir – to progress Send all you European Portuguese doubts to [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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. Enquanto – While Litoral – Coastline Praticamente – Practically or basically Maneira – Way or manner Colorido – Colorful Send all you European Portuguese doubts to [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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: Viagem – Trip or journey Mala – Suitcase Conduzir – To drive Mergulho – Diving Aranhas – Spiders Send all your questions to [email protected]

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.  Normalmente vou para Espanha de comboio mas desta vez vou de avião porque preciso de estar lá amanhã de manhã. Do you have doubts on prepositions? Send all your questions to [email protected]