The TRUE Portuguese to TRAVEL taught in a LAID-BACK way! Or even just to chat with natives!

Find out more about Abreu

• Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  I speak Portuguese fluently because I'm Brazilian. I was born in Porto Alegre, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost Brazilian state.

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  I would say Tim Maia. More than just a singer, he was a cultural force. His music blended Brazilian Portuguese with funk, soul, and MPB in a deeply authentic way. Emotional, funny, and unmistakably Brazilian, his lyrics captured the everyday language of the people.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behaviour in the language that you particularly like?

  "Saudade" is a wonderful and uniquely Brazilian word. It describes the feeling of missing something or someone. Traditional foods that are mostly found only in Brazil are also fantastic - such as pastel, arroz doce, brigadeiro de colher, and many others. In terms of our behaviour, we tend to be very welcoming, which is something I deeply appreciate.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Speaking Portuguese means a lot to me because, especially as a musician, because I can truly hear how musical the language is. It often feels like we're speaking in melodies, almost singing as we talk, and there's something incredibly joyful about that.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  The main difficulty in learning Portuguese is definitely getting to grips with verb conjugation. The best thing you can do is focus on the tricky parts - especially the ones you personally find challenging.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  I once had a student who kept saying, "Eu estou com fome de comida," thinking it meant "I'm hungry for food." It's actually a bit redundant in Portuguese - you only need to say "Eu estou com fome." The extra "de comida" just made it sound a bit odd! It was a funny moment, but it also reminded me that learning Portuguese involves more than just memorising words - it's about getting the feel for how things are said naturally.

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  Travelling through Brazil was a game-changer for my Portuguese, even as a native. I got to experience the language in real, everyday colloquial expressions. It helped me grasp nuances and cultural expressions I'd never have learnt. Plus, every new city taught me something different, from the warmth of the Northeast to the faster pace of São Paulo.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  I'm absolutely in love with teaching! There's something rather delightful about watching a student go from struggling with a tricky concept to suddenly grasping it. It's not just about teaching the rules, but about creating a connection, making it fun, engaging, and at times, a little cheeky. After all, language should be enjoyed, not just learnt! And every time my students succeed, it feels like a bit of a personal victory too, which fills my heart.