Languages. Is Portuguese similar to Spanish?

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Brian C

I go to Madeira at least twice a year for the last eight years.
First:-English is widely spoken especially in Funchal,the capital)
Second :- There is a marked similarity between written Portuguese and Spanish. Portuguese alphabet does not have the letters K ,W or Y
Third:- There is a wide difference in pronunciation between the two languages.

Most(or nearly all) hotel staff will speak very good English and I would advise sticking to that. Some of the hotels may have a little Spanish but you you would be as well off saying
"Por Favor" for please (as in Spanish) and "Obrigado" for thank you (For a woman speaking it is "Obrigada" These courtesies plus English will suffice for your holiday.

Enjoy: It is a beautiful island with people to match.

Orla C

I believe they are. But I found that the Portuguese are pretty good with langages, so the chances are that you will be using English anyway.

Have a lovely time.

Elizabeth Dreams

most Portuguese speak very good English, just learn a few words like, hello, coffee please, do you speak English , good bye etc. those few words go a very long way. Madeira is wonderful enjoy your stay.

gerry m

In a word - no! Portugal is not Spain and the language is very different. You will have no problems with the language in Madeira as it has been a major tourist destination for English people for many years and the local population speak very good English - particularly in hotels,bars,restaurants,shops etc.
Please - por favor
Thank you - obrigado/a
The above will be appreciated.
Have a great holiday.

HeterÃ³nimo

Like someone said, you won't have any problems because most people speak english.

And spanish will be useful to understand WRITTEN things but I highly doubt if you will understand any spoken portuguese, it's VERY different from spoken spanish especially the specific Madeira accent, it's hard even for someone from mainland Portugal, I guarantee you...

And please be careful, many people will not like if you speak to them in spanish, it's offensive since most americans and english seem to think in Portugal the language is spanish or much worst, that Portugal belongs to Spain...

So if you speak so little spanish, you better stick to english only.

lydja

Buy a Portuguese phrase book they speak Portuguese no Spanish.

Lauren G

Hi...
Yeah they are simliar.... but some words are different..
I have been to Madeira and speak both Spanish and Portuguese... but really even if you didnt speak Spanish.. you would be able to get around quite easily..
:) its really an amazing place!
enjoy it!

argus

Forgive me for correcting you,
it is Madeira.

There are always many tourists
in Madeira,and people there are
accustomed to tourism, many of the
residents speak English as well.

Spanish will help you a little bit,
just try to speak slow.
enjoy your stay.

picaroonschest

yes. U'll probably be able to understand a bit of what's being said to you but from my understanding the portuguese and spanish aren't that keen on each other so maybe best not to speak loads of spanish to them, lol. Get a basic handguide

Snot Me

i live in Spain and deal with a lot of Portuguese when some of them talk to me i don't understand they sound russan to me, but some words are simmilar you just have to really listen

hollywood

you will be fine just go with it they are similar and besides once you have one language it not difficult to pick up an other
Have Fun.

MIG

Portuguese people don't like to speak "castelhano" (Spanish), just speak English and try to pick up some Portuguese instead.

Gambit-Xen

They both come from the same root...LATIN, also; French, Italian n Romanian. So, yes they r very similar

El Cid

Many Portuguese can understand a bit of Spanish, so you will probably find it useful if they can't understand English.

MA1234

They are similar, but many words are different, I speak both and its confusing, but it will be helpful, a lot of words are the same.

Bunny

The languages have the same root but have changed over the years

You will find many words different but some are similar. As long as you try to learn a bit of portugese it will be appreciated.

Because it's next door to spain the locals are used to both languages and you will be able to make your self understood and at least will probably be able to pick up some portugese whilst you are there

Have a fab time - madiera is beautiful

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