Ask About Portuguese and English Requirements for a Job
Instead of guessing what ‘fluent’ means, ask about real tasks, meetings, writing, and customer conversations in each language.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Use exigência de idioma for language requirement and no dia a dia for day to day. A language may be needed for reading documents, meetings, or talking with customers; those tasks call for different skills.
Ask which languages the role uses day to day
Ask the interviewer to describe a typical situation in which each language is used. That gives you a clearer picture than a label such as fluente by itself.
Quais idiomas a equipe usa no dia a dia?
Which languages does the team use day to day?
O inglês é mais usado em reuniões, na leitura ou no contato com clientes?
Is English used more in meetings, reading, or customer contact?
Clarify what the level means for specific tasks
Ask whether the role requires writing reports, presenting, negotiating, or following a conversation. A person may be comfortable reading technical material and still be developing spontaneous speaking; describe your abilities accurately by task.
If the job description uses avançado or fluente, ask for an example of what the team expects someone to do in that language.
Quando vocês dizem nível avançado, que tipo de tarefa esperam que a pessoa faça?
When you say advanced level, what kind of tasks do you expect the person to do?
A função exige apresentar projetos em português?
Does the role require presenting projects in Portuguese?
Describe your current ability honestly
Try Tenho facilidade para ler, mas ainda estou desenvolvendo minha conversação (I'm comfortable reading, but I'm still developing my conversation skills). Pair a strength with the area you are improving, and mention a real example of how you use the language.
Do not claim a proficiency level that does not reflect your current ability. Clear expectations help both you and the employer assess whether the role is a fit.
Consigo participar de reuniões em português e estou ampliando meu vocabulário técnico.
I can participate in meetings in Portuguese, and I'm expanding my technical vocabulary.
Leio e escrevo em inglês todos os dias, mas tenho menos prática falando.
I read and write in English every day, but I have less speaking practice.
Put it into practice
Ask what tasks require each language and describe your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills accurately.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “When you say advanced level, what kind of tasks do you expect the person to do”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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