Portuguese challenge in Lisbon

 

Before moving to Lisbon, there was actually a clause in my work agreement called “free Portuguese course.” Of course I got excited… new language, new life, why not 😊

Then I arrived… and months passed. Despite all my effort, I never got access to that course. The company promised it, but never really made it happen. After a few emails back and forth, I found out that the government actually offers free courses. So in August 2023, I secured my spot for a course starting in September at a public school. They only charge a very small fee, something like paperwork cost.

It’s actually similar to the free language courses offered in Türkiye for foreigners. Until then, from June 2022 to the following year, I managed my life in the city with my B2 Spanish and English. And honestly, Portuguese people speak really good English. Almost everywhere, you can find someone who speaks it.

Anyway… time came. I got my AULA 1 books from a bookstore and started classes. And let me tell you… Portuguese accent and pronunciation are something else 😅 I used to think Spanish was hard… but Portuguese said “hold my beer.” Yes, there are similarities in words, but at the same time, a completely different vocabulary. And especially in the first months, when Portuguese people speak fast and ask you something… you understand absolutely nothing 👀

Grammar? You think “okay it’s like Spanish”… and then suddenly, a thousand different rules appear. And don’t even get me started on prepositions!

Most of the time in class, when I try to say something, I mix it with Spanish… which, by the way, is also getting rusty. During exams, I even write some words in Spanish without realizing it 😊

The teacher gives us assignments, and of course everything gets mixed there too. But after the 4-month A1 course, I can say that I slowly started understanding Portuguese people… at least if they speak a bit slower.

In January 2024, I started A2. Now they say we will speak more… which honestly sounds a bit scary 😅 I don’t want to forget Spanish either, but realistically, I don’t have time to study both. So to not confuse my brain too much, I just do my daily tasks in Spanish on Duolingo, just to keep some words alive.

I’m actually used to learning new languages. Back in Istanbul, I took Spanish classes for a long time in small groups. I had a vocabulary notebook, a grammar notebook, and a verb conjugation notebook. Now I’m trying to apply the same method to Portuguese. Sometimes I even study Portuguese and Spanish side by side, just to refresh both.

What about you? Do you have any methods for learning a new language? Anything that really works for you? I’m not really into podcasts. I like reading books, but I haven’t fully gotten into that habit yet. I’d really love to hear your methods.

Right now April 2026, technically I’m B2 (yes, I even have the certificate 😅), but I still speak English with almost everyone. I definitely need to find new ways to improve.

If you’re planning to come here and thinking about learning Portuguese, feel free to message me. I can share a few tips and guide you a bit.

Wishing you a clear mind and lots of motivation 😊

Before I forgot dont forget that you can view my Belém tower picture here for your taste.

Portuguese class time