Portuguese for travellers: essential words and phrases for Mozambique

July 7, 202610 min read

Mozambique‘s official language is Portuguese, written in the Latin alphabet, but most locals outside tourist areas speak little to no English. A few basic Portuguese words and a translation app are essential for meaningful interactions.

English is rarely spoken beyond the main resorts and tourist hubs. Knowing simple phrases in Portuguese opens doors, helps avoid scams, and makes your experience smoother in rural and local settings.

Mozambique street scene
  • Learn essential Portuguese phrases for greetings, bargaining, and emergencies.
  • Use a translation app to bridge language gaps in rural areas.
  • English works in major tourist spots but is limited elsewhere.
  • Signs and menus are mostly in Portuguese, written in Latin script.
  • Avoid relying solely on English; a few words go a long way.

Quick Facts About Language in Mozambique

  • Official language: Portuguese
  • Minority languages: Makhuwa, Tsonga, Sena, and others
  • English level: Limited outside tourist hubs, basic in major resorts
  • Readability: Signs and menus are in Latin script, mostly in Portuguese

GREETINGS

WordTranslationPronunciation
HelloOláoh-LAH
Good morningBom diabong DEE-ah
Good afternoonBoa tardeBOH-ah TAR-deh
Good eveningBoa noiteBOH-ah NOY-teh
ByeTchauchow
GoodbyeAdeusah-DEH-oos
How are you?Como está?KOH-moo es-TAH?
My name is …O meu nome é …oh meh-oo NOH-meh eh …
Nice to meet youPrazer em conhecê-lopra-ZEHR em koh-neh-SEH-lo
Where are you from?De onde és?deh ON-deh es?
I am from [country]Sou de [país]soh deh [pa-EEZ]
One moment pleaseUm momento, por favoroom moh-MEN-toh, por fah-VOR

POLITENESS

WordTranslationPronunciation
PleasePor favorpor fah-VOR
Thank youObrigadooh-BREE-gah-doo
You are welcomeDe nadadeh NAH-dah
SorryDesculpedes-KOOL-peh
Excuse meCom licençakom lee-SEN-sah
PardonPerdãoper-DAH-o
No problemSem problemasem pro-BLEH-mah
Can you help me?Pode ajudar-me?POH-deh ah-zhoo-DAHR-meh?
Sorry I do not understandDesculpe, não entendides-KOOL-peh, now en-TEHN-dee

Communication Help

WordTranslationPronunciation
Do you speak English?Você fala Inglês?Vo-se fa-la Inglês
Do you speak [output language]?Você fala [idioma]?Vo-se fa-la [idioma]
I do not speak the local language wellEu não falo bem a língua localEu não fa-lo bem a língua local
Could you repeat that?Poderia repetir isso?Po-de-ree-a re-pee-tar i-so
Slower pleaseMais devagar, por favorMais de-va-gar, por fa-vor
Could you write it down?Poderia escrevê-lo?Po-de-ree-a es-cri-vel-o
What does this mean?O que isso significa?O ke i-sso sig-ni-fi-ca
I do not understandEu não entendoEu não en-ten-do
Where is …?Onde fica …?On-de fi-ca
Is this correct?Isto está correto?Is-to es-tá co-rre-to

Essential Words

WordTranslationPronunciation
YesSimSeem
NoNãoNã-o
OkayTudo bemTu-do bem
MaybeTalvezTal-vez
GoodBomBom
Not goodNão bomNã-o bom
BigGrandeGran-de
SmallPequenoPe-que-no
OpenAbertoA-ber-to
ClosedFechadoFe-chan-do
TodayHojeO-je
TomorrowAmanhãA-manhã
YesterdayOntemOn-tem
NowAgoraA-go-ra
LaterDepoisDe-pois
HereAquiA-qui
ThereLáLá
LeftEsquerdaEs-quer-da
RightDireitaDi-rei-ta
Straight aheadEm frenteEm fren-te
StopParePa-re

NUMBERS AND PRICES

WordTranslationPronunciation
OneUmoom
TwoDoisdoysh
ThreeTrêstrehsh
FourQuatrokwah-troh
FiveCincoseeng-oo
SixSeissays
SevenSeteseh-teh
EightOitooy-toh
NineNovenoh-vee
TenDezdehz
ElevenOnzeohn-seh
TwelveDozedoh-zeh
ThirteenTrezetreh-zeh
FourteenCatorzekah-tor-zeh
FifteenQuinzekeen-zeh
SixteenDezasseisdeh-zah-says
SeventeenDezassetedeh-zah-seh-teh
EighteenDezoitodeh-zoy-toh
NineteenDezanovedeh-zah-noh-vee
TwentyVinteveen-teh
HundredCentosen-toh
ThousandMilmeel
CheapBaratobah-rah-toh
ExpensiveCarokah-roh
DiscountDescontodes-kohn-toh
How much does this cost?Quanto custa isto?kwahn-toh koos-tah ees-toh
Too expensiveMuito caromoy-toh kah-roh
What is the best price?Qual é o melhor preço?kwahl eh oo meh-lyor preh-zoh
Can it be cheaper?Pode ser mais barato?poh-jeh sehr mysh bah-rah-toh
I pay cashPago em dinheiropah-goo em deen-yay-roh
Do you have change?Tem troco?tehm troh-koo
May I see the price?Posso ver o preço?poh-soo vehr oo preh-zoh

TIME AND PLANNING

WordTranslationPronunciation
TodayHojeoh-zheh
TomorrowAmanhãah-mah-nyah
The day after tomorrowDepois de amanhãdeh-pois jeh ah-mah-nyah
MorningManhãmah-nyah
AfternoonTardetahr-deh
EveningNoitenoy-teh
NightNoitenoy-teh
HourHoraoh-rah
MinuteMinutomee-noo-toh
EarlyCedoseh-do
LateTardetahr-deh
What time is it?Que horas são?keh oh-ras sah-ohn
How long does it take?Quanto tempo demora?kwahn-toh tem-po doh-mah-rah
Can we meet at …?Podemos encontrar-nos às …?poh-deh-moh en-kohn-trar-noosh ahs …

DIRECTIONS AND NAVIGATION

WordTranslationPronunciation
Where is the toilet?Onde fica o banheiro?On-de fee-ka o ban-ye-ro
Where is the station?Onde fica a estação?On-de fee-ka a es-ta-são
Where is the bus stop?Onde fica a paragem de autocarro?On-de fee-ka a pa-ra-gem de au-to-ca-ro
Where is the centre?Onde fica o centro?On-de fee-ka o sen-tro
How do I get to …?Como chego a …?Ko-mo she-go a
Is it far to walk?É longe de caminhar?Eh lon-ge de ca-mi-nhar
How far is it?A que distância fica?A ke dis-tân-ci-a fee-ka
LeftEsquerdaEs-ker-da
RightDireitaDi-rei-ta
Straight aheadEm frenteEm fren-te

TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS

WordTranslationPronunciation
StationEstaçãoEs-ta-são
BusAutocarroAu-to-ca-ro
TrainComboioCom-boi
BoatBarcoBar-co
MetroMetrôMe-trô
TicketBilheteBi-le-te
DeparturePartidaPar-ti-da
ArrivalChegadaChe-ga-da
StopParagemPa-ram
PlatformPlataformaPla-ta-for-ma
LuggageBagagemBa-ge-gem
A ticket to …Um bilhete para …Um bi-le-te pa-ra
When does this leave?Quando sai isto?Quan-do sai is-to
Where should I get off?Onde devo descer?On-de de-vo des-ser
Does this stop at …?Este paragem é em …?Es-te pa-ram e em
I want to go to this addressQuero ir a este endereçoKe-ro ir a es-te en-de-re-ço
Can you turn on the meter?Pode ligar o taxímetro?Po-de li-gar o ta-xí-me-tro
How much does it cost to …?Quanto custa para …?Quan-to cus-ta pa-ra

Accommodation

WordTranslationPronunciation
ReservationReservareh-ZER-vah
KeyChaveSHAH-veh
RoomQuartoKWAR-too
BathroomCasa de banhoKAH-zah deh BAHN-yoh
TowelToalhatoh-AHL-yah
Air conditioningAr condicionadoahr kon-dee-syo-NAH-do
FanVentiladorven-tee-lah-DOR
Wi-FiWi-Fiwee-FEE
PasswordPalavra-passepah-LAH-vrah PAH-sseh
I have a reservation under the name …Tenho uma reserva em nome de …TEHN-yoh OO-mah reh-ZER-vah em NOH-meh deh …
Do you have a room available?Tem um quarto disponível?TENG oon KWAR-too dis-POH-nee-vel?
How much does it cost per night?Quanto custa por noite?KWAN-too KOOS-tah por NOY-tchee?
Can I check out later?Posso fazer o checkout mais tarde?poh-SOH fah-ZER oo chek-OUT mysh TAR-deh?
Can you fix this?Pode arranjar isto?POH-jeh ah-RAHN-jar EE-sto?
The air conditioning is not workingO ar condicionado não está a funcionaroo ar kon-dee-syo-NAH-do nao es-TAH ah fooN-syoh-NAR
What is the Wi-Fi password?Qual é a palavra-passe do Wi-Fi?kwahl eh ah pah-LAH-vrah PAH-sseh do wee-FEE

Food and Drink

WordTranslationPronunciation
Water (still)Água (sem gás)AH-gwah (sehm GAHSH)
Water (sparkling)Água com gásAH-gwah kom GAHSH
Without iceSem gelosehm GEH-lo
SpicyPicantepee-KAHN-teh
Not spicyNão picanteNOWN pee-KAHN-teh
VegetarianVegetarianoveh-geh-tah-ree-AH-noh
VeganVeganoveh-GAH-noh
ChickenFrangoFRAHN-go
FishPeixePAY-shi
MeatCarneKAR-neh
BreakfastPequeno-almoçopeh-KEH-noh ah-LOH-shoo
LunchAlmoçoah-LOH-shoo
DinnerJantarzhahn-TAR
May I see the menu?Posso ver o menu?poh-SOH vehr oo meh-NOO?
I would like …Gostaria de …gos-TAH-ree-ah deh …
Without … pleaseSem … por favorsehm … por fah-VOR
I am allergic to …Sou alérgico a …SOH ah-LER-gee-koh ah …
No nuts pleaseSem frutos secos, por favorsehm FROO-tohs SEH-kohs, por fah-VOR
No milk pleaseSem leite, por favorsehm LAY-cheh, por fah-VOR
No gluten pleaseSem glúten, por favorsehm GLOO-ten, por fah-VOR
May I have the bill?Posso receber a conta?poh-SOH heh-seh-REHR ah KON-tah?
Where can I eat well?Onde posso comer bem?ON-deh poh-SOH co-MER bem?

Allergies and Safe Eating

WordTranslationPronunciation
I am allergic to …Eu sou alérgico a …Ay am al-er-jik tu …
I cannot eat thisEu não posso comer istoAy can-not eet this
Does this contain …?Isto contém …?Duz this con-tain …?
No peanuts or nuts pleaseSem amendoins ou nozes, por favorNo pee-nuts or nuts pleez
Is this raw?Isto é cru?Is this raw?
Is this very spicy?Isto é muito picante?Is this veri spai-si?
Only well done pleaseSó bem passado, por favorOn-li wel dun pleez

Health and Emergency

WordTranslationPronunciation
Help!Ajuda!Ay-ju-da!
DoctorMédicoMed-i-ko
HospitalHospitalHos-pi-tal
PharmacyFarmáciaFar-ma-si-a
PainDorDor
FeverFebreFeb-re
AllergyAlergiaAl-er-ji-a
PolicePolíciaPo-li-si-a
I need helpEu preciso de ajudaAy need help
Call an ambulanceChame uma ambulânciaKal an am-bu-lan-s
I lost my passportEu perdi meu passaporteAy lost my pas-port
I have been robbedFui roubadoAy hav bin robd
I do not feel wellEu não me sinto bemAy do not feel wel
Where is the nearest pharmacy?Onde fica a farmácia mais próxima?Where is the near-est far-ma-si?
I have pain hereEu tenho dor aquiAy hav pain heer

Money and Paying

WordTranslationPronunciation
CashDinheirodee-NYEH-roh
PINPINpeen
CardCartãokar-TAO
Exchange moneyTrocar dinheirotroh-KAR dee-NYEH-roh
ReceiptReciboheh-BEE-roh
Can I pay by card?Posso pagar com cartão?POH-soh pah-GAR kohm kar-TAO?
Can I pay in cash?Posso pagar em dinheiro?POH-soh pah-GAR em dee-NYEH-roh?
Where is an ATM?Onde fica um caixa eletrônico?ON-deh FEE-kah oom KAHY-shah eh-leh-TRON-ee-koh?
May I have a receipt?Posso receber um recibo?POH-soh heh-seh-BER oom heh-BEE-doh?

SIM AND INTERNET

WordTranslationPronunciation
I want a SIM cardQuero um cartão SIMKEH-roo oom kar-TAO seem
I want an eSIMQuero um eSIMKEH-roo oom ee-seem
How much data is included?Quantos dados estão incluídos?KWAN-tos DAH-doos es-TAO een-kloo-EE-doos?
Does this work on my phone?Isto funciona no meu telefone?EES-toh fooN-CHOH-nah no meh-o teh-LEH-foh-nee?
Can you activate it?Pode ativá-lo?POH-jeh ah-chee-vah-loh?
Where is the Wi-Fi?Onde fica o Wi-Fi?ON-deh FEE-kah oh wee-FEE?

English Proficiency in Mozambique

In tourist hubs like Maputo, Beira, and Vilanculos, many young people and service staff speak some English, especially in hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies. However, outside these areas, English becomes less common, and locals often rely on Portuguese or local languages. Expect limited English in rural markets, small shops, and among older generations, where Portuguese is the primary language. Relying solely on English can lead to misunderstandings, so prepare to use basic Portuguese phrases or translation tools.

Decision Rules for Using English

  • If in a rural area or talking to older locals, then assume little English and use translation apps or pointing.
  • If in a tourist hub or with younger staff, then expect some English but carry basic Portuguese phrases.
  • If in a major city or resort, then English is likely understood but always be polite and clear.

Signage and Menus Readability

Most signs and menus in Mozambique are in Portuguese, written in the Latin alphabet. In tourist areas, you may find bilingual signs or menus with English translations, but these are not guaranteed outside main resorts. Street names and directional signs are usually only in Portuguese, so learning a few key words helps. Many menus are straightforward, but avoid relying on English alone in rural spots – pointing at pictures or items is often faster and clearer.

Communication Tips for Mozambique

  • Carry a translation app on your phone to bridge language gaps quickly.
  • Learn basic Portuguese phrases like ‘hello’, ‘thank you’, and ‘how much’.
  • Use gestures and pointing to clarify your needs, especially in markets.
  • Be patient and polite; locals appreciate effort and respect.
  • Smile and maintain friendly body language to build rapport.
  • Speak slowly and clearly if using English, avoiding slang or complex words.
  • Respect local customs, such as addressing elders with courtesy gestures.
  • Have a small notebook with common phrases written in Portuguese for quick reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Is there a big difference in English skills between younger and older people?

Yes, younger people and those working in tourism are more likely to speak some English. Older locals and rural residents generally do not speak English and rely on Portuguese or local languages.

2Are there body language or gestures that might be misunderstood?

Yes, gestures like pointing with the index finger or certain hand signals can have different meanings. Observe locals and mirror their gestures to avoid confusion.

3Do I need offline translation apps in rural areas?

Absolutely. Mobile coverage is limited outside cities, so download offline Portuguese translation apps and phrasebooks before traveling.

4How should I address people in the street or in shops?

Use polite greetings like ‘Bom dia’ (Good morning) and ‘Por favor’ (Please). Address elders with respect and avoid overly familiar gestures unless invited.

5How do I understand public transport tickets and destinations?

Most tickets are in Portuguese. Learn key words like ‘bilhete’ (ticket), ‘Maputo’, ‘Beira’, and ‘Vilanculos’. Point at destinations or ask ‘Qual o destino?’ (What is the destination?).

6What is a local word or greeting that helps build rapport?

Say ‘Olá’ (Hello) or ‘Tudo bem?’ (Everything good?) with a friendly tone. These simple greetings open conversations and show respect.

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