Learn Portuguese with Rio and Learn
by Rio and Learn
Welcome to A Dica do Dia Podcast by Rio & Learn! Elevate your Portuguese learning journey with us and our team of native teachers. Our podcast, featuring the most useful dicas, is now available in three languages. From essential phrases to cultural insights, join us wherever you are — whether it's during your morning routine, a leisurely stroll or road tripping, immerse yourself in Brazilian culture effortlessly. Subscribe now and learn Portuguese in more situations with our insightful episodes!
Episodes
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Como falar da sua FAMÍLIA em português | Brazilian Portuguese Vocabulary
Aprenda a falar da sua família em português! Neste episódio você vai conhecer as palavras que os brasileiros usam no dia a dia (mãe, pai, irmão, avó, tio, primo, sobrinho e mais), três expressões muito comuns e um desafio no final para testar o que aprendeu. Você sabe como dizer “siblings” em...
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Learn Portuguese: How to Use IR, VIR and VOLTAR | Brazilian Portuguese Verbs
Learn how to use the Brazilian Portuguese verbs IR, VIR, and VOLTAR correctly in everyday conversations! These three essential Portuguese verbs are commonly used to talk about movement, directions, and transportation, but understanding the differences between them can be tricky for Portuguese...
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Exotic Animals in Brazil
Hi, galera! In our Pocast today, we are going to talk about exotic animals in Brazil. Did you know you can find many rare and fascinating animals in Brazil? Let’s learn not only about them, but also about exotic birds from Brazil!
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Meaning of Cara in Portuguese
Hello, folks! In today’s Dica, we’ll take a look at the meaning of cara in Portuguese. Do you know what cara means? Well, it’s a versatile word with multiple meanings, so hold on tight and join us on this new adventure through the Portuguese language!
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Best Brazilian Players
Hi, folks! How are you? Today we are going to talk about Best Brazilian Players and we will also see a top 5 Brazil all time scorers. We are sure you know some of them but we prepared a list based on importance and titles for Brazilian football.
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How to Say Friend in Portuguese! — Reading
Learn how to say “friend” in Portuguese and discover useful words and expressions for talking about friendship in Brazil. This episode is a narrated reading of our Dica article, which you can find on the Rio & Learn website. You can also listen along directly on the English page. For extra...
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Bahia Independence Day — Reading
In this short episode, listen to a narrated reading about Bahia Independence Day and its importance in Brazilian history. This is a reading of a Dica article from Rio & Learn, available on our website. You can also listen along directly on the page. English page:...
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Bumba Meu Boi — Reading
In this short episode, we read a Dica article about Bumba Meu Boi, one of Brazil’s most vibrant cultural traditions. You can find the full article on our website and listen along on the page as you read. English page: https://rioandlearn.com/bumba-meu-boi/Portuguese version:...
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Dances from Brazil: Samba, Forró, Frevo and More
Brazilian dances are more than movement. They tell stories about Brazil’s Indigenous, African and European influences, and help explain the country’s cultural identity. In this episode, we explore famous dances such as samba, carimbó, bumba-meu-boi, frevo, forró, maracatu, baião, jongo, coco and...
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Valentine’s Day in Brazil: Why Love Is Celebrated in June
Why is Valentine’s Day in Brazil celebrated on June 12 instead of February 14? In this episode, learn about Dia dos Namorados, Brazil’s Lovers’ Day, and why it is connected to Saint Anthony, known as a matchmaker and Saint of Love. You’ll also hear how Brazilians usually celebrate with romantic...
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Corpus Christi in Brazil: Dates, Traditions and Food
Corpus Christi in Brazil is a Catholic celebration of the Eucharist and always takes place 60 days after Easter Sunday, on a Thursday. In 2025, it falls on June 19; in 2026, on June 4. Although it is not a national public holiday, many Brazilian cities treat it as a day off, while others consider...
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Palmas: Brazil’s Youngest Capital
Discover Palmas, the sunny capital of Tocantins and Brazil’s youngest state capital, founded in 1989. This episode explores where Palmas is, how to get there, and why its planned layout, tropical climate, river beaches, parks, public squares, and local traditions make it such an interesting stop…
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Brazilian Football History — Reading
In this short episode, we read our Dica article about the history of football in Brazil. You can find the full article on our website and listen along on the page. There is also a Portuguese version of the article, where you can listen along in Portuguese too. You can follow the Portuguese…
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Mulatto in Brazil — Reading
In this short episode, we read our Dica article about the meaning and use of “mulatto” in Brazil. You can find the article on our website and listen along on the English page. There is also a Portuguese version of the article, where you can listen along in Portuguese too. English page:...
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Labor Day in Brazil — Reading
In this episode, you can listen to a narrated reading about Labor Day in Brazil and learn more about its meaning, history, and place in Brazilian culture. It is a reading of the article available on our website, where you can also listen along on the page. If you want the Portuguese version, you...
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Art in Brazil — Reading
In this episode, we take a walk through the history of Brazilian art and explore how it has evolved over time. This is a narrated reading of our article on the topic, available on our website. You can read and listen along on the English page too. There is also a Portuguese version if you would...
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Brazilian Jokes in Portuguese for April Fools’ Day
Discover how Brazilians joke around on Dia da Mentira, Brazil’s version of April Fools’ Day. This episode explores the playful side of Portuguese through classic piadas, from “o que é o que é” riddles to Joãozinho jokes, mother-in-law jokes, animal jokes, and clever wordplay. It’s a fun way to…
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Why Do Brazilians Shower So Much?
Why do Brazilians shower so often? In this episode, we explore how hygiene in Brazil goes far beyond routine. It reflects culture, climate, social expectations, and daily habits. You’ll hear why many Brazilians shower more than once a day, why deodorant is essential before leaving home, and why...
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Portuguese ER Verbs: Present and Past Made Simple
In this episode, we explore regular Portuguese verbs ending in -ER and see how they work in the simple present and simple past. You’ll hear clear examples with verbs like aprender, beber, comer, and correr, and notice the repeating endings that make these patterns easier to learn. The lesson also...
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Salve in Portuguese — Reading
In this short episode, we explore the meaning of salve in Portuguese and how this expression is used in everyday Brazilian Portuguese. It’s a simple and useful way to sound more natural when greeting people in informal contexts. This episode is a narrated reading of our Dica article, which you…
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I Don’t Know in Portuguese
Not sure how to say “I don’t know” in Portuguese without sounding stiff? In this episode, we explore the go-to phrase eu não sei (and the shorter não sei) plus everyday alternatives like não tenho ideia, não faço ideia, and nem ideia. You’ll also hear when stronger options like não tenho a mínima...
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Gato & Gata: When “Cat” in Portuguese Becomes a Compliment
In this episode, we take gato/gata beyond the dictionary. You’ll learn when it literally means “cat,” when it becomes a flirty Brazilian Portuguese compliment (“cutie,” “hottie,” “handsome”), and how expressions like gatinho/gatinha, gato preto, and meu gato / minha gata change meaning depending…
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The 1817 Pernambuco Revolution — Reading
In this episode, we explore a lesser-known turning point in Brazil’s path toward independence: the 1817 Pernambuco Revolution. This is a narrated reading of our Dica do Dia, and you can find the original article on our website at the link below. You can also listen along on the page while you…
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Colors in Portuguese
Learn colors in Portuguese with short, practical episodes designed for beginners. You’ll hear the most common color words, clear pronunciation, and simple examples you can use right away. Perfect for travel, daily conversations, and building your vocabulary one step at a time.
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Ordinal Numbers in Portuguese
Today our Dica do Dia will talk about ordinal numbers in Portuguese!
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Iemanjá
Today we are going to discuss one of the most influential figures from the Brazilian Candomblé and Umbanda religions: the Orixá Iemanjá from Yorubá. Did you know Iemanjá is one of the most famous religious figures in our country? Iemanjá is one of the main religious figures in Salvador. In Rio de...
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Body Parts in Portuguese
Are you ready to learn the names of body parts in Portuguese? Today we will learn many different and important words related to the body: head, foot, heart, face, eyes, hand, neck, brain, nose, legs in Portuguese, and much more! From limbs to organs, at the end of this class, you’ll be an expert…
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City of God: Unveiling the Dark Realities of Rio de Janeiro Favelas
Have you ever watched a movie that left you breathless, grappling with the harsh realities of life while marveling at the brilliance of storytelling? City of God is one such cinematic gem that takes you on a riveting journey through the streets of Rio de Janeiro, exposing the raw essence of...
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Time in Portuguese
Today, we will explore a particularly important topic: telling time in Portuguese. Did you know that Portuguese uses a different time system from the familiar AM/PM format? Additionally, there are multiple ways to express the same time in Portuguese. Are you confident in your ability to discuss...
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Happy New Year in Portuguese
Today, we’re excited to teach you how to wish a Happy New Year in Portuguese! This will help you start the new year on the right foot. Are you ready? Let’s get started!
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Merry Christmas in Portuguese
Today is Christmas Day, and we’re excited to teach you how to say “Merry Christmas” in Portuguese so you can wish your Brazilian friends a happy holiday! We’ll also explore how to say “Christmas” in Portuguese and introduce you to some essential Christmas vocabulary, including words like Santa...
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Christmas Traditions in Brazil
Christmas in Brazil is a vibrant and festive celebration, deeply influenced by the country’s rich cultural diversity. From decorations to food and music, the holiday season here offers a one-of-a-kind experience. In this Podcast, we’ll uncover the unique traditions and customs that make Christmas...
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Portuguese Irregular Verbs
We all know Irregular Verbs are a tricky part of learning any new language, right? We can’t memorize all of them! So come with us and let’s learn about Portuguese Irregular Verbs
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Portuguese Contractions
Sometimes grammar might seem boring, right? But it’s exactly what separates advanced speakers from fluent speakers! One of the key areas to sound more fluent in Portuguese is mastering preposition contractions. That’s why today, we’re going to dive into Portuguese contractions.
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Professions in Portuguese
Professions in Portuguese will be the theme of our studies today. We will take a closer look at the most common professions in Brazil. Curious to see if your profession is on the list? After this Dica, you will be able to talk about your work!
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Black Awareness Day in Brazil
Hey, galera! How’s it going? Do you know what we celebrate on November 20th? Black Awareness Day. It is a day to celebrate awareness of the black community, acknowledge the journey and circumstances that led their ancestors to Brazil, and the wealth of contributions they have made to the country...
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Brazil and Religion
Brazil is a very diverse country, especially if we talk about religions. And one of our main characteristics is syncretism – or the combination of different beliefs and tenets from several different religions. This crazy mix of faiths is actually one of the things that makes this topic of…
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Halloween in Brazil
Halloween in Brazil has gained popularity over the years, but there’s a unique twist – it coincides with the celebration of Saci Perere Day. But, how does Brazil celebrate Halloween? Let’s learn not only about this, but also the most common ways to celebrate Halloween in Rio de Janeiro, which are...
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1 to 10 in Brazilian Portuguese
Knowing the numbers in Portuguese is very important, right? Let’s think about some stuff together… How many times have you visited Brazil? What’s your cellphone number? Could you answer in Portuguese? No? Don’t worry, we are here to help you!
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Pingado Coffee Vs Coffee with Milk in Portuguese
Hello everyone! Today, we’ll talk about something that looks yummy just by thinking about it: pingado coffee! Did you know this expression is a variation of coffee with milk in Portuguese? Have you heard Brazilians talk about a média coffee? Well, pick up your mugs, and let’s find out more about it!
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Seasons in Brazil
Hello guys! Today in our Podcast, let’s discuss the seasons in Brazil! What is the season in Brazil right now? I’m sure you’ve heard that in Brazil, the seasons are relatively alike since we have a tropical climate. But you’ll be surprised by all the falling leaves in autumn and the not-too-hot,...
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Ser and Estar Portuguese Exercises
What’s up, guys? You already learned about the verbs ser and estar in a previous post, but today’s Dica will be full of exercises! That way, we can really nail those verbs! Today, we are going to do some Portuguese Ser and Estar Exercises. Are you ready? Set? Go!
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Brazilian Nicknames
What’s up, friends?! Today we will learn some Brazilian nicknames and of course, some Brazilian football team nicknames too! Nicknames are short versions of names or words that represent a specific personal characteristic, that we use to call someone, without using their actual names. Usually,...
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Cute Portuguese Nicknames
Today we have a very romantic Dica for you. Do you know how to say cute in Portuguese slang? We are going to learn the cute Portuguese nicknames. We are going to start with a nice video to introduce you to some of the most usual cute nicknames in Portuguese, later on, we will see a list of…
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Bahia Independence Day
What do you know about Bahia’s Independence Day? Many people – travelers and even Brazilians – walk through the streets of Bahia, especially through the streets of Salvador, without a clue of what it took to get this beautiful city to where it is today. But the history of the Bahia Independence…
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Environment in Portuguese
We are all worried about our planet, but how do we talk about it in Portuguese? Have you ever talked about the environment in Portuguese? Let’s dive into environment vocabulary in Portuguese.
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Princess Isabel of Brazil
Meet Princess Isabel of Brazil, a lesser-known royal who shaped 19th-century history. Learn how this House of Braganza member defied convention and changed her nation with a stroke of the pen.
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St. George’s Day in Brazil – Tradition, Faith and Celebration
Did you know Brazilians celebrate St. George with devotion, music, and street festivals? In this episode, discover the cultural and religious importance of São Jorge in Brazil and learn key Portuguese phrases used during the celebration!
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Going to the Hospital in Portuguese
Ever wondered how to talk about hospital visits in Portuguese? In this episode, we teach you the most important words and phrases to use at the hospital in Brazil. Learn with real examples and improve your pronunciation with native audio!
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Labor Day in Brazil: A Day to Reflect and Relax
Discover how Brazilians celebrate Labor Day with rallies, music, and time with family. Learn about its history, meaning, and how May 1st became a day of rest and unity in Brazil.
About this show
Welcome to A Dica do Dia Podcast by Rio & Learn! Elevate your Portuguese learning journey with us and our team of native teachers. Our podcast, featuring the most useful dicas, is now available in three languages. From essential phrases to cultural insights, join us wherever you are — whether it's during your morning routine, a leisurely stroll or road tripping, immerse yourself in Brazilian culture effortlessly. Subscribe now and learn Portuguese in more situations with our insightful episodes!
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Rio and Learn