Learning a foreign language in a class or online is great…until you’re there and no one is saying phrases like “the cat is on the chair” or the “the mouse is under the table” (shout out to Eddie/Suzy Izzard). Learn what “legal” and “Sinistro” really means when you’re in Rio.
20 Essential Slang phrases to speak like a Carioca:
- Valeu. Information “thanks” or “cheers”
- Tranquilo. Use as “yeah, sure…it’s ok” or “no problem” – or “keep calm”
- 0800. It means it’s free (no cost). Spoken as: zero oitocentos
- Bacana. Something is cool, awesome, or fantastic.
- Beleza. Use for “yes” or “it’s a deal.” (actual translation: beauty) also used for “whassup”
- Cara. Means “man” or “dude.” (actual translation: face)
- Foi mal. My bad.
- Legal. Use for “cool” or “nice.”
- Sinistro. Use for “something very cool” (actual translation: sinister)
- E aí? Like saying “what’s up?” in English. E aí pessoal? (What’s up guys?)
- Tá bom? is “all good?” or “do you agree?”
- Tudo jóia. Also means “all good” (actual translation: all jewelry)
- Caraca! Like “wow!” or “holy cow!”
- Parada. Use like “thingy” or “thingamajig” in English
- Fala Tu? A casual “what’s up?”
- Fala sério. “You’re joking”
- Grana. Cash
- Gato/Gata. Good looking (actual translation: cat)
- Da igual. “I’m ok with it” or “it doesn’t matter”
- Deixa rolar. “Let it go!”
If you’re looking for general travel phrases, check out my blog:
“Speak Like a Carioca: 11 Essential Phrases to Enhance Your Rio Experience!”
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