Portuguese · Real conversations
Support and boundaries: useful Portuguese phrases
Show care while being clear about your limits.
Start with the essentials
Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.
- I'm sorry to hear that
sinto muito por isso
I'm sorry to hear that
- Are you okay?
Você está bem?
Are you okay?
- I agree
concordo
I agree
- Don't worry
não se preocupe
Don't worry
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | Portuguese |
|---|---|
| I'm sorry to hear that | sinto muito por isso I'm sorry to hear that |
| Are you okay? | Você está bem? Are you okay? |
| I agree | concordo I agree |
| Don't worry | não se preocupe Don't worry |
| Would you like to talk about it? | Você quer conversar sobre isso? Show English translationWould you like to talk about it? |
| I'd prefer not to discuss that. | Prefiro não falar sobre isso. Show English translationI'd prefer not to discuss that. |
| I see what you mean, but ... | Entendo o que você quer dizer, mas … Show English translationI see what you mean, but … |
| I don't feel comfortable with that. | Não me sinto à vontade com isso. Show English translationI don't feel comfortable with that. |
| Let me think about it. | Deixa eu pensar nisso. Show English translationLet me think about it. |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
Tive uma semana difícil, mas não sei bem o que dizer.
I've had a hard week, but I'm not sure what to say.
You
Você quer conversar sobre isso?
Would you like to talk about it?
Partner
Talvez mais tarde. Posso perguntar por que você saiu do último emprego?
Maybe later. Can I ask why you left your last job?
You
Prefiro não falar sobre isso.
I'd prefer not to discuss that.
Support and boundaries in other languages
A note on speaking Portuguese
These guides use Brazilian Portuguese. Você is a common everyday address; senhor or senhora may fit a more formal interaction. Eu gostaria and poderia can soften requests without making them complicated.
Keep the accents and nasal spellings, such as não and conexão. Portuguese in Portugal may use different everyday vocabulary or pronouns. The examples aim for broadly understandable Brazilian wording.
Keep practicing
- Useful Portuguese phrases for support and boundaries
- Rehearse support and boundaries in Portuguese
- Disagree politely in Portuguese
- Set a boundary in Portuguese
- Show empathy in Portuguese
- Respond to an apology in Portuguese
- Respond to an expression of sympathy in Portuguese
- Respond to bad news in Portuguese
