2009 May | Portuguese Language Blog

Posts from May 2009

Best Brazilian Movie

May 22 2009

Since we discussed the topic earlier in the week, for today’s interactive feature we’re going to talk about movies. Today’s question is: what is your favorite Brazilian film?

Unfortunately, due to a low popularity in foreign films, not many Brazilian films are released in US theaters, and those who have seen Brazilian movies have usually just seen City of God. But there are a lot of great ones out there worth seeing that you can find on DVD, through Netflix, or ordering them online.

My personal favorite is Central do Brasil (Central Station) directed by Walter Salles and starring Brazilian film star Fernanda Montenegro. It was nominated for two Oscars in 1999 and won numerous international film awards, and really is a spectacular movie. It tells the story of an older woman who befriends a young boy in Rio de Janeiro, and the journey they take together in search of the boy’s father.

What about you?

Sleepyhead

Posted by Rachel 1 Comment

May 21 2009

Today we’re going to learn some important words and phrases associated with being tired or sleepy.

Key words

dormir = to sleep

acordar = to wake up

cansado = tired

deitar = to lie down

bocejar = to yawn

Key Phrases

1. estar com sono

This means to be sleepy, literally translated, “to be with sleep.”

Não consegui dormir ontem por causa do barulho. Estou com muito sono. I couldn’t sleep last night because of all the noise. I’m very sleepy.

2. Que sono!

This means, “I’m so sleepy!” or “What exhaustion!”

Não posso parar de bocejar. Que sono! I can’t stop yawning. I’m so sleepy!

3. Que preguiça!

This literally means, “I’m so lazy!” or “What laziness!” but is understood as feeling tired and not feeling like doing anything.

Tenho uma reunião daqui a pouco mas não quero ir. Que preguiça! I have a meeting in a bit but I don’t want to go. I don’t feel like doing anything!

4. dorminhoco

This means sleepyhead.

Acorda logo, dorminhoco! Temos que ir! Wake up already, sleepyhead. We have to go!

5. cochilar

This means to take a nap or to doze off.

Os espanóis gostam de cochilar depois do almoço. Spaniards like to nap after lunch.

Video Learning Series: Novelas

Posted by Rachel No Comments

May 20 2009

Today, on the video learning series, we’re going to look at novelas. Though it’s more gratifying to watch them in their entirety, watching novela clips online can be a very useful way to practice listening comprehension, because the language is relatively straightforward.

In the clips below, you’ll see scenes from recent novelas, including Caminho das Indias, Três Irmãs, and Caras e Bocas.

Happy listening!

Brazil Strengthens Ties with Saudis

Posted by Rachel No Comments

May 19 2009

President Lula Inacio da Silva made a historic visit to Saudi Arabia this week, the first of its kind for a Brazilian president. He met with King Abdullah, as well as Abdurrahman al-Attiyah, the secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council. President Lula went with Brazilian businessmen, but also discussed political and cultural ties.

Officially, the visit was meant to be a political move. The Brazilian government wants to use Saudi Arabia as a jumping off point for strengthening ties with the rest of the Middle East.

But in reality, the visit focused largely on trade with Saudi Arabia. Brazil and Saudi Arabia are already commercial partners; annual trade between the two countries amounts to US$5.5 billion. Brazil is Saudi Arabia’s #1 supplier of frozen chicken, and is also a major supplier of beef. During the visit, the Saudis expressed interest in extending trade in pharmaceuticals, oil exploration, and agriculture. Also, the Gulf Cooperation Council is interested in a free trade agreement with Mercosur, of which Brazil is a key player.

On Sunday, President Lula and King Abdullah signed a cooperation agreement in the areas of oil, mining, science, and infrastructure, and to increase trade between the two countries.