Certified Portuguese Tutor (Fluent in English) with 5+ Years of Experience — Achieve Your Fluency Faster — Conversation-Focused for All Levels — Making Learning Enjoyable — Help with CELPE-BRAS Exam.

Find out more about Thiago

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

  Portuguese is my native language. I was born and raised in Brazil, and my entire family is Brazilian as well.

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

  One emblematic character that comes to mind is Carmen Miranda, a historical figure who became an international symbol of Brazilian culture.
  Although she was born in Portugal, she was raised in Brazil and became famous for her vibrant performances, samba music, and iconic fruit hat.
  Carmen Miranda introduced Brazilian rhythms and expressions to the world, especially during the 1940s, and helped shape how Brazilian culture was perceived globally. Her legacy is still deeply tied to the joyful, musical, and expressive spirit of the Portuguese language in Brazil.

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

  One expression I particularly like in Brazilian Portuguese is "saudade." It doesn't have a direct translation in English, and it beautifully captures a deep emotional state. It's the feeling of missing someone or something deeply, often with a mix of nostalgia, longing, and affection.
  It reflects how emotionally expressive Brazilian Portuguese is, and how much value Brazilians place on relationships, memories, and connection. It's a word full of heart, and that's what I love about it.

• 4) Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Speaking Portuguese matters to me because it's not just my native language, it's a key part of my identity, culture, and how I connect with the world. Teaching Portuguese has made me appreciate it even more.
  When I help someone understand the meaning behind words like "saudade" or explain the rhythm and emotion in Brazilian expressions, I feel like I'm passing on more than just a language, I'm sharing a way of life.
  Seeing my students get excited about understanding a new phrase or greeting someone in Portuguese for the first time is incredibly rewarding. It's about connection, culture, and communication, and that's why it means so much to me.

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

  One of the main difficulties in learning Portuguese is mastering the grammar. It has many verb conjugations, tenses, and gender rules that can be confusing for learners, especially for those whose native language is English. For example, verbs change depending on the subject, time, and mood, something that doesn't happen as much in English.
  Pronunciation can also be tricky, with nasal sounds, silent letters, and words that look similar but sound very different.
  What really helps the learning process is listening to native speakers and practicing regularly through conversation. Music, movies, and language apps can also be great tools.
  As a Portuguese teacher, I try to make grammar more approachable by using real-life examples and helping students connect sounds with emotions and gestures. The key is to stay consistent, stay curious, and not be afraid of making mistakes, because that's how you really learn.

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

  One day, I was teaching a student the word "coco" (coconut), something we have a lot of on Brazilian beaches. He was super excited to practice his Portuguese because he was going to meet his Brazilian friend at a pub.
  Upon meeting his friend, he wanted to say something like: "I love drinking cold coconut water on the beach." But instead, he said, loud and proud: "Eu adoro cocô gelo na praia!" (I love cold poop on the beach!). Yes-only the little accent makes a BIG difference.
  When he told me this story in class, we couldn't stop laughing. At the end, he said to me: "Okay, accents in Portuguese are dangerous!" and I jokingly said: "Listen, Portuguese accents aren't just decoration, they're lifesavers!"

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

  As a digital nomad, traveling through different regions of Brazil has really deepened my understanding of the Portuguese language. Each place has its own accent, slang, and cultural expressions, so even as a native speaker, I'm constantly learning new things.
  For example, in the Northeast, I picked up unique idioms and a musical rhythm in speech that's completely different from the way people speak in the South or Southeast.
  These experiences have helped me appreciate the richness and diversity of Portuguese, and they've also made me a better teacher, because I can explain not just the grammar, but also the regional flavor of the language. Travel has truly been one of my best classrooms.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof in language?

  What makes me a Superprof in language is my passion for teaching and my ability to connect with students in a way that makes learning fun and culturally rich. As a native Portuguese speaker and an experienced language teacher, I understand the challenges learners face, and I know how to make grammar and pronunciation less scary and more accessible.
  I've also been learning English over the last five years, so I truly understand how challenging it can be to learn a new language. This experience has made me even more patient, empathetic, and creative in my teaching.
  Being a digital nomad has exposed me to different dialects and expressions, which I bring into the classroom to give my students a real-world understanding of the language. I focus not just on rules, but on building confidence, communication skills, and cultural connection, and that's what helps my students grow.