If I speak Spanish in Portugal, would the Portuguese take offence?

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The Padre

The Portuguese are very open and friendly, and will go out of their way to try to understand you, whichever language you use. Many Portuguese understand at least some English, since American films and television (other than cartoons) are shown here in English with Portuguese subtitles), unlike in Spain, where they are dubbed into Spanish. (Also, Portugal is now starting English classes as early as first grade!)

If I were you, I would try my few words of Portuguese first, to show that an effort was being made, then shift to slowly-spoken English, and finally, if you weren't communicating, to Spanish. Between the three, you should be okay. If the person you're speaking to doesn't understand, he or she will try to find someone who does.

Boa sorte!

kittysue2000

They won't be offended if it's obvious you don't speak Portuguese, but they may not understand you. If you are in a tourist area, you are better off speaking English.

Jen P

Not many people in Portugal speak english. They actually aren't too fond or the English (The Brits are not the best tourists). They don't have a problem with Americans though but you won't really be able to get around. Spanish isn't widely spoken there either but you might be understood. My suggestion is to keep learning Portuguese. It's a great language and people will understand you. I'm sure that since you speak Spanish that you'll be fine. Some of the words are similar. Portugal is an AMAZING place. Make sure you go to Sintra, Portugal (a "suburb" of Lisboa).

Flyinghorse

No they will not take offense, and they will understand you very well in most places.
In the past yes, some people would get offended if you spoke Spanish, but in the last ten/fifteen years Portugal has become much more touristic.
In most touristic places if you speak English, for sure they will understand, but if you go to smaller places use your Spanish. The only thing, speak slowly, the problem you will have is that you will not understand when they answer to you, as their pronunciation is very close, it sounds like Polish if you are not used to it ;-)

truly

My advice is speak English or Spanish, whichever suits you better. I wouldn't take offense.

NIPI

portuguese are ussually nice to tourists so if you speak spanish most will understand and try to help you . you can try english but remenber that most of portugueses arent or are very badly instructed in english so most wonÂ´t understand you. I believe your best opcion would be spanish but donÂ´t ever ever make the mistake to speak to a spanish in portuguese.

MIG

no if they understand that's you are not spanish from spain. I would try to used english first just in case

Toby CC

Probably better to speak English to a Portuguese than Spanish, just in case they do take offence, which normally they don't, but some do.

argus

No.
Portuguese people won't get offended by trivial things like that,
your question is very childish no offense to you.

Sara A

its no affence becouse my arnties portaguise and she speaks most like those languges they almost say the same thing!

Lao Minh

Any effort you make to speak Portuguese will be much appreciated by the locals. The general impression in Portugal is that Tourists from Spain and Latin America make little or no effort to learn Portuguese. Because Portugal is rightfully proud of its rich language and cultural heritage, and because of painful past conflicts with Spain, resorting to Spanish won't make the best impression.

Use the Portuguese you know and fall back on English when you exhaust your Portuguese vocabulary.

Use "Estou a aprender o Portugues" (I am learning Portuguese) often.
Its a great ice-breaker. Enjoy!

jdk2509

They probably won't take offense, just won't have a clue what you're saying.

emma C

Yes they will, as the portuguese don't like the Spanish, and its very different, but they do understand.

zumphh

i don't think they would take offence but they probably wouldn't understand you - they tend to speak portuguese.

just shout loudly at them in english and call them garcon.

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