How to Be Polite in Portugal: Everyday Etiquette Explained
Learning a new language also means discovering how people live, greet each other, and show respect in everyday life. In Portugal, people are warm and polite, but also care a lot about tradition and appearances. Knowing a few basic customs can help kids understand Portuguese culture better—and maybe even make some new friends!
Looking Good Is Important
In Portugal, people care about how they look. This doesn’t mean they wear fancy clothes all the time, but they try to be neat, clean, and well-dressed. Fashion is important, and what someone wears can sometimes show their job, age, or even their social status. That’s why people often dress nicely, especially when they are going out or meeting others.
Respect for Hierarchy
Portuguese society has a strong sense of respect, especially for age and authority. Children are taught to be polite to teachers, older people, and community leaders. At school or in formal situations, using respectful words and listening carefully are signs of good manners. It’s part of the Portuguese way of showing kindness and structure in everyday life.
Visiting Someone’s Home
If you are invited to someone’s home in Portugal, it’s polite to bring a small gift. People usually bring flowers, chocolates, or a nice box of candy. However, it’s good to know what not to bring—lilies and chrysanthemums are for funerals, and bringing wine might not be expected unless you know the host very well.
When meeting someone for the first time, a handshake is the usual greeting. Among friends or family, hugs or cheek kisses are more common, but only if you know the person well.
Learn More About Portuguese Culture with Dinolingo
At Dinolingo, kids not only learn to speak Portuguese through games, videos, and songs, but also explore everyday customs like greetings, table manners, and traditions. Our program is designed for children ages 2 to 14 and includes fun printable worksheets and interactive activities to help them connect with the culture while learning the language.