Whether you are moving to Portugal, or simply learning the language, Anita will help you feel more confident in speaking the Portuguese language, trult connecting you to the people and culture.
This week´s Portuguese lesson with Anita is focused on 10 impressions/words with a special meaning in Portuguese.
- Saudade → A mix of missing, longing, nostalgia, love for someone and the feeling of absence
- Desenrascanço → The ability to “figure things out” at the last minute, improvising your way out of a situation
- Fado → More than a music genre, it represents the soulful, melancholic spirit of Portugal, tied to destiny and emotion
- Mimo → A small, affectionate gesture or gift given from the heart.
- Sossego → refers to the comforting tranquility of a slow moment, a calm home, a restful afternoon, or a feeling of being undisturbed and emotionally settled.
- Lar → Not just “home”, but a warm, emotional space of belonging, comfort, and family.
- Encantamento → A sense of enchantment, wonder, or being spiritually touched by beauty; used for places, art, or people.
- Abraço apertado → A tight, heartfelt hug that conveys community, closeness, and warmth.
- Encanto → A mix of charm, magic, and awe. It’s used to describe something or someone that feels irresistibly warm, captivating, or emotionally touching.
- Ternura → A deep, gentle affection that is soft and sincere; often used in the context of family, friends or heartfelt gestures.
- Convivialidade → A warm sense of togetherness, shared moments, and social harmony; It reflects the cultural importance of gathering, eating, talking, and enjoying life in community.
- Viver a experiência → Literally “to live the experience,” meaning to fully immerse yourself; tasting food, hearing Fado, talking to locals, absorbing culture.
About Anita
Olá, my name is Anita! I was born and raised on the beautiful Alentejo coast of Portugal, but I’ve been living in the Algarve for over 26 years, a region that continues to inspire my love for language, culture, and connection.
I am a university-qualified teacher and have been teaching Portuguese since 2005, transitioning to online teaching in 2020 to reach students worldwide. This led to the founding of Portuguese With Anita, one of the largest communities of Portuguese learners, with over 200,000 followers on its platforms. What began as an unexpected opportunity, teaching small groups of expats and Portugal-lovers, quickly became a true passion.
Over the years, I’ ve had the privilege of serving as Pedagogical Director of an international school in the Algarve, where I designed complete Portuguese language programs for both children and adults. This experience shaped my teaching approach and motivated me to bring all my knowledge into an accessible online format.
To date, I’ve helped over 6,000 students from many different countries learn Portuguese.
Whether my students want to move to Portugal, communicate with loved ones, reconnect with their roots, or simply learn a language they love, my goal is always the same: to help them feel confident, supported, and truly connected to the Portuguese language and culture.
Let’ s learn Portuguese together! Vamos!
Feel free to check out my website or follow me on my social media:
W: https://www.portuguesewithanita.com/homepage
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/portuguesewithanita
