Portuguese at a Language Exchange: Introductions and Practice
Set a friendly practice rhythm so both people can speak and ask for the kind of correction they want.
Real Life Portuguese · 7 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Say your name, explain that you are learning Portuguese, and mention one situation you want to practice. A specific goal helps your partner choose useful language.
Introduce yourself and your learning goal
You can ask what the other person would like to practice too, so the exchange is balanced.
Estou aprendendo português há seis meses.
I’ve been learning Portuguese for six months.
Quero praticar conversas do dia a dia.
I want to practice everyday conversations.
O que você gostaria de praticar?
What would you like to practice?
Agree on how to share the time
Suggest dividing the time between Portuguese and the other person’s language. Ask whether they prefer a timer or a natural switch after a topic.
A clear agreement prevents one person from doing all the speaking or correcting.
Podemos dividir o tempo em duas partes?
Can we divide the time into two parts?
Você prefere trocar de idioma a cada vinte minutos?
Would you prefer to switch languages every twenty minutes?
Vamos conversar primeiro em português.
Let’s speak in Portuguese first.
Ask for the kind of correction you want
Some learners want every mistake corrected; others prefer notes after they finish speaking. Say what helps you and ask what your partner prefers.
For a structured study group, see our guide to joining a Portuguese learner community.
Pode corrigir os erros que dificultam o entendimento?
Could you correct errors that make me hard to understand?
Anota a correção para o final, por favor.
Please write down the correction for the end.
Você prefere que eu corrija na hora ou depois?
Would you prefer that I correct you right away or afterward?
Put it into practice
Before starting, agree on a speaking-time split and how you want feedback. Then choose one realistic conversation topic.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Would you prefer to switch languages every twenty minutes”?
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.