How to Pronounce NH and LH in Brazilian Portuguese
Learn to hear and produce nh in manhã and banho, and lh in trabalho and filho.
Real Life Portuguese · 6 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
In Brazilian Portuguese, nh represents a palatal nasal sound. It is one sound rather than a clearly separated n followed by h. English does not have the same spelling pattern, so listen to a native example and repeat the whole syllable.
Recognize nh as one sound
Focus on the contrast between the target word and a familiar syllable. Slow practice helps you notice the sound before you say the word at a natural pace.
manhã
morning
banho
bath
vinho
wine
Practice lh without adding an extra vowel
The spelling lh represents a palatal lateral sound. Keep it inside the syllable rather than inserting an extra vowel between l and h.
Brazilian accents vary in their precise sound quality. For a useful target, listen to more than one speaker and imitate a clear example rather than chasing a single accent.
trabalho
work
filho
son
melhor
better
Use a short repetition routine
Say each word slowly, then put it in a short phrase. Record yourself once and compare the syllable with a reliable native audio example. Aim for intelligibility, not a perfect imitation.
For other common Brazilian Portuguese sounds, continue with our guides to ão, R and RR, and final S.
Amanhã eu trabalho.
Tomorrow I work.
Meu filho gosta de banho de mar.
My son likes swimming in the sea.
Melhor falar devagar primeiro.
It’s better to speak slowly first.
Put it into practice
Practice three nh words and three lh words, then repeat them in a phrase at a comfortable speaking pace.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “son”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.