Why learn Portuguese? — you may be wondering. Well, if you’re seeking to spice up your language-learning journey, Portuguese is the right choice for you. I’ll give you a bunch of amazing benefits of learning Portuguese that I’m positive will convince you.
This beautiful and vibrant language that I was lucky to grow up speaking is sure to give you a whole new perspective on life, travel, and culture.
From expanding your travel horizons to making you smarter and even potentially finding love, Portuguese has something for everyone.
Why learn Portuguese?
1. Mastering Portuguese is quite easy, actually.
Did you know that according to the Foreign Service Institute of the US government, Portuguese is actually one of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn?
That’s right, with its relatively simple grammar rules, easy-to-pronounce words, and similarities to English, you’ll be able to progress quickly and see results in no time.
Portuguese is in the same language category as Germanic languages like Dutch, Swedish, and Norwegian, and Romance languages like Italian and Spanish.
The FSI estimates these languages require about 600 class hours for learners to achieve fluency in them. So why not take advantage of this opportunity to learn Portuguese and add it to your language arsenal?
Also read: Is Portuguese Hard to Learn? Here’s the Real Answer
2. It’ll give you a head start when studying other Romance languages.
One of the key benefits of studying Portuguese is the edge it gives you when studying other Romance languages. Portuguese shares many similarities with other languages in this language family, such as Spanish, French, Italian, and Romanian.
This means that, by learning Portuguese, you’ll have an advantage when studying these other languages because you’ll already be familiar with the basic structures and vocabulary.
For example, Portuguese and Spanish have many cognates, which are words that have the same origin and meaning in both languages. Similarly, if you decide to learn French after Portuguese, you’ll find that many words and grammatical structures are similar in both languages.
3. You’ll get to interact with hundreds of millions of people.
If you’re looking for a way to bond with people from all over the world, learning Portuguese might be just what you need. With over 300 million speakers across four continents, Portuguese is one of the most widely spoken languages on Earth.
That makes it a great way to break down language barriers and form meaningful connections with people from all walks of life.
Portuguese-speaking communities can be found in some of the most exciting parts of the world, offering endless opportunities for travel, adventure, and cultural exchange.
On top of that, not only will you get to interact with native speakers but you’ll also join the millions of people around the world who have already fallen in love with the Portuguese language and culture and are now committed to learning it.
4. It’ll expand your travel horizons.
For travel enthusiasts, learning Portuguese could be a game-changer. From the sandy beaches of Brazil to the historic cities of Portugal, the Portuguese-speaking world has tons of gorgeous sights to offer.
By mastering Portuguese, you’ll be able to interact with locals (who often don’t speak English), navigate through unfamiliar territory with ease, and immerse yourself in the culture like never before.
Plus, learning Portuguese could also help you to discover hidden gems that are often overlooked by other travelers; Portugal and Brazil are just the tips of the iceberg.
I say this because nations such as Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde have Portuguese as their official language as well and are just waiting to be explored.
5. The culture will win you over…
Learning Portuguese is not just about mastering the language, but about immersing yourself in the rich and vibrant culture of the Portuguese-speaking world too.
Be it Brazil’s samba beats or Portugal’s fado music, the culture is diverse and captivating. You’ll get to explore the literature of Fernando Pessoa, dance to Angolan kuduro music, and enjoy Brazil’s cinematic masterpieces.
By learning Portuguese, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the people, their traditions, and their way of life. In short, learning Portuguese opens the door to a world of fascinating and enriching cultural experiences.
6. …and the food will keep you from leaving.
If there’s one thing that both Portugal and Brazil are famous for, it’s their mouthwatering cuisine. From the hearty octopus Lagareiro-style— one of my absolute favorite dishes, which you can see above — to the iconic brigadeiro, food from Portuguese-speaking nations is a feast for the senses.
By learning Portuguese, you’ll not only be able to read menus and order like a local, but you’ll also be able to chat with friendly chefs and learn more about the dishes you’re devouring.
Imagine walking into a small, rustic restaurant and feeling a little overwhelmed by the strangely named dishes on the menu.
But then, as you confidently read the menu in Portuguese and make some recommendations to your friends, the server’s eyes light up, and they start chatting with you about their favorite dishes. Soon enough, they’re bringing out plate after plate of delicious food that you never would have tried otherwise.
The food alone is a reason to learn Portuguese, but it’s also a gateway to the culture and the people. You’ll find yourself making friends with the locals and discovering delicacies that only the true insiders know about.
7. It’ll look great on your resume.
Adding Portuguese to your skillset can open doors to job opportunities in many industries, including international trade, tourism, and business.
What’s more, speaking Portuguese can make you a valuable asset for companies that operate in Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil, Portugal, and Angola.
Among the benefits of learning Portuguese for business, there’s also the fact that it’s a great asset for jobs that require international travel or working with foreign clients.
Learning any foreign language, in fact, shows prospective employers that you have an open mind, cultural awareness, and a willingness to learn. It is a sign of personal and intellectual growth that can set you apart from other job candidates.
In today’s global economy, being bilingual or multilingual is increasingly important, and Portuguese is a language that will make you stand out.
8. You’ll meet lots of new friends along the way.
Whether you’re a language enthusiast or a globetrotter, speaking Portuguese can help you make friends all over the globe.
By learning the language, you’ll not only be able to connect with people on a deeper level, but you’ll also gain a greater understanding of their culture and traditions.
Plus, who knows? You might even find a travel buddy or a lifelong friend, even on a language exchange community like Tandem.
9. It’ll make you smarter.
Portuguese will expand your knowledge and improve your cognitive abilities. This is not me saying it; it’s science. Studies have shown that bilingualism can enhance memory, problem-solving skills, and overall brain function.
Portuguese is a complex and beautiful language that requires dedication and hard work to master. Yet the payoff is worth it, as the mental benefits of language learning are priceless.
Plus, being able to speak another language is always impressive and can be a great conversation starter. Overall, learning Portuguese is an investment in yourself, both intellectually and culturally. Who could have thunk becoming smarter could be so fun and rewarding?
10. There are countless learning resources for you to rely on.
Learning Portuguese can be challenging, but fear not! You’ll have a plethora of resources to help you along the way. From books to online courses to apps to learn Portuguese, you’ll never be at a loss for learning material.
Want the real kicker? You don’t even have to leave your house to access these tools. With the whole interwebs at your fingertips, you can find just about anything you need to master Portuguese.
Want to listen to what Brazilians are jamming to right now? Check out the coolest playlists on Spotify. Need a top-notch audio lesson? Subscribe to Pimsleur. Looking for a language tutor? Find a highly skilled Portuguese teacher on italki or Preply.
And the best part? You can choose the resources that truly work for you. Be it a structured course or a more free-form approach, there’s something out there for everyone.
11. It may help you find love.
Mastering Portuguese may just be your ticket to finding love! Portugal and Brazil are home to some of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world, such as Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro.
By learning Portuguese, you can communicate with locals on a deeper level and potentially make romantic connections.
Other than that, Portuguese is often considered one of the most romantic and sweet-sounding languages in the world. Imagine being able to express your feelings to a loved one in their native language, adding a special touch to your relationship.
12. Your breakthroughs will make you proud.
Though it is indeed challenging, learning Portuguese is incredibly rewarding too. As you progress, you’ll experience a sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with overcoming difficult obstacles and reaching new heights.
Both when finally understanding a complex grammar rule or being able to hold a conversation with a native speaker, each breakthrough will make you feel proud and motivated to continue learning.
These moments of triumph are satisfying and will boost your confidence and self-esteem. Plus, as you continue to improve your Portuguese skills, you’ll be able to tackle even more challenging goals in other areas of your life.
13. It can make you even more sociable.
The warmth and friendliness of Portuguese-speaking people will win you over, and you’ll soon find yourself embracing their culture with open arms.
You’ll unlock a whole new world of social connections — it’s safe to say that learning Portuguese can introduce you to an extensive and diverse community.
You can meet new people, make friends and expand your social circle in a meaningful way. You’ll be able to join conversations and participate in cultural events that you may have felt excluded from before.
Whether it’s chatting with locals while traveling, connecting with fellow learners online or joining language exchange programs, learning Portuguese can make you even more sociable.
It’s an excellent way to meet people who share your interests and passions and open yourself up to new experiences.
14. It’ll change the way you think.
Learning Portuguese can be a truly transformative experience, and one of the ways it can change your life is by altering the way you think.
When you learn a new language, you start to see the world through a different lens, and Portuguese is no exception.
As you begin to understand the language, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the cultures it is tied to, and your mind will open up to new perspectives and ways of thinking.
Portuguese is a complex and nuanced language, and mastering it requires patience, dedication, and hard work. Still, the effort is well worth it, as you’ll develop a new set of cognitive skills that can help you in all areas of your life.
So if you’re ready for a challenge that can have a profound impact on your life, consider taking the plunge and learning Portuguese.
Final thoughts
Hopefully, these fantastic reasons to learn Portuguese will make you want to pick up a book or start practicing right away. Whether you’re in it for the food, the culture, or the career opportunities, the list of advantages of learning Portuguese could go on forever.
So what are you waiting for? Get ready to broaden your horizons, make new friends, and experience all that this beautiful language has to offer.