Looking for podcasts to learn Portuguese?
The internet has brought us many new language learning tools, among which the podcast.
In case you have never heard of a podcast, a podcast is like a radio show, without the musical interruptions, and you decide when you listen to it.
Since the invention of podcasts, it has become a great favorite of both language instructors and language learners.
Here’s why.
Why should use podcasts to learn Portuguese?
• It’s made for language learners
Firstly, anyone can start a podcast, and because of this, you have endless options when it comes to picking one out.
Besides picking one that is close to your interests, there are many podcasts out there that are made for language learners. This means they will focus on stories that will be interesting for foreigners, share a little bit of cultural information, and help you learn your target language.
Even within the category of language learning podcasts, you will find many different types focussing on different aspects of language learning, as well as different levels of language skills.
Whatever it is you are looking for, you’ll sure find one that matches your needs.
• Learn at your own speed
Literally.
The second great thing about podcasts is being able to adjust the playback speed to be slower or faster than the regular speed. If things are going too fast, play it at 0.75x, but if a podcast is making a deliberate effort to speak clearly and you think you can handle a bit more speed, change it to 1.25x and really train your listening skills.
• Improve your pronunciation
Thirdly, the great thing about radio, audiobooks, and podcasts is that because you are only listening, it really trains your ear to focus on pronunciation.
Many times, a foreign accent is a result of your brain thinking certain letters that are written down should be pronounced a certain way. This can be because of your native language, or because the pronunciation of a word doesn’t always make sense with phonetic rules.
By solely focusing on the listening you are training your ears to hear past the written form of words, and simply hear the way native speakers are pronouncing them.
• You can do it anywhere, anytime
As long as you have your phone with you (and let’s be honest, that is pretty much always), you can put on a podcast and start the language learning.
Whether you are brushing your teeth, commuting to work or taking a deliberate moment to practice your language skills, your favorite podcasts are always available and ready.
• It’s free
Language learning isn’t just for those who can afford fancy language schools.
For instance, podcasts are freely available across many platforms like Apple podcasts, Soundcloud or Spotify.
How can I use podcasts to learn Portuguese?
Okay, so we’ve gone over the why, but how exactly do you learn Portuguese with a podcast?
• Use lost time
One of my favorite things about podcasts is that because you are only listening, you can do it while doing something else.
Of course, to really take something in you need to pay some attention, but I used to listen to podcasts on my way to class, while walking the dog or even when I was cooking and cleaning.
It’s a great way to practice your language skills while doing something else, and taking advantage of the time you are already spending on another mindless activity.
In conclusion, you don’t need extra hours in the day, you can simply use the ones you already have to squeeze in a little extra language learning.
• Create a habit
Building on the previous point:
If you have a daily commute, walk, or time dedicated for language learning – make it a daily or at least weekly habit.
Nothing will help your language skills unless you do it on a regular basis.
If you have a daily habit that you can use to listen to podcasts, you can easily create a new habit without having to change your current lifestyle. After all, habits are easier to keep up when integrated into your already existing routine.
• Listening practice
Listening is one of the most daunting aspects of language learning because it happens in real time.
Where an online chat conversation leaves time to think, or a quick Google Translate consultation, actual conversations happen in real-time, and if you have difficulty understanding spoken language, it can be a real struggle to have a conversation with a native speaker.
Podcasts offer you a safe space to practice your listening skills without having to answer back immediately. Unlike movies, you don’t have the visuals to help you understand context and meaning, however, it is precisely the pure audio-based learning that will help you master the skills of listening to an actual conversation.
• Cultural Context
Language and culture are two things that can not be separated. As a result, many podcasts try to teach a language while talking about culture.
This is great because it allows you to practice your skills, learn vocabulary that will be relevant when speaking to native speakers, and therefore allows you to better understand the language as something beyond the rules of grammar.
Though it is great to be able to have a regular conversation about what your name is, how old you are and what your favorite color is, it is even better when you are able to reference a national holiday or talk about music.
• Find something that matches your skills
There is no fun in listening to something you don’t understand because it’s way too complicated, something that is too easy.
Not all language learning podcasts are alike, and neither are podcast listeners, therefore you should try to make sure you find one that matches your language skills as well as your interests.
• Write a review
Many podcasts are available for free, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help the creators. For instance, you can let them know what you think, and show off your language skills by writing a review in your target language.
• Focus on the pronunciation
Because it is purely audio-based, podcasts are a great way of improving your pronunciation.
Repeat a certain fragment and try to speak along.
Instead of listening for words, try listening for syllables. This will make it a lot easier to break down sounds and really get that native-like pronunciation.
In addition, you can write down a phrase or paragraph, then record yourself saying it and compare it to the podcast recording. Comparing directly can help you pinpoint and improve the areas you are struggling with the most.
• Look at the transcripts
Many podcasts these days offer a transcript of what is said. This allows you to read along, or refer back after you’re done listening to an episode.
This way you can easily see the spelling of new words, and look them up if you are unsure what they mean.
17 Spotify Podcasts to learn Portuguese
1. Portuguese Lab
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Learn European Portuguese with this weekly podcast that gives you the boost you need to keep learning Portuguese.
2. Café Brasil
Level: Intermediate
If you are into pop-philosophical reflections, you are surely going to enjoy this podcast while learning Portuguese through Spotify.
Luciano Pires talks about politics, Brazilian culture, and the way we live together as a society.
He aims to enlighten listeners and introduce them to other personal trainers for the mind.
3. Dragões de Garagem
Level: Intermediate
This podcast is great to learn Portuguese through Spotify as it covers anything and everything relating to science.
The speakers talk slowly, they do not use a lot of slang, and explain even scientific words in common language.
4. Não Ouvo
Level: Intermediate
A wild, noisy, humorous podcast that beginners might find a bit challenging to follow. This is a great way to enhance and learn Portuguese if you are an intermediate learner.
The hosts and guests talk about the most random things like travel, music, pets, and childhood memories.
5. Fronteiras da Ciência
Level: Advanced
This science podcast tackles different subjects, but the informal and unstructured conversations with guest experts are very interesting if you stay focused.
This podcast is a great way to learn Portuguese for those who are into science.
6. Practice Portuguese
Level: Beginner
This is an excellent podcast that focuses on a lot of topics in every episode.
The actors speak quite slow and there are transcripts available on the website. You can get a list of words and phrases that are going to be used.
7. SBS Portuguese
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Short interviews and features from multilingual Australian public broadcaster SBS that covers storries not just in Australia, but also all around the world.
8. Histórias de Ninar para Garotas Rebeldes
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
This empowering Brazilian podcast is based on the bestselling book, Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. It has inspiring stories about the lives of extraordinary women from past and present generations.
9. Nerdcast
Level: Advanced
This podcast has been running since 2016 and is Brazil’s number 1 podcast that has a million downloads per episode.
They have the funniest discussions of all things geek: pop culture, movies, TV, science, tech, comic book, gaming, etc.
10. O Assunto
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
A daily 25-minute episode that gives you an in-depth discussion of current issues. This is another easy and chill way to learn Portuguese through Spotify if you love listening to the news.
O Assunto got the most fascinating topics and you can easily find something that will pique your interest.
11. #Globo
Level: Advanced
Daily 5-10 minute summary of Brazilian and international news for every millennial.
Concise and good listening practice if you don’t really mind slang and constant repetition of the word ‘hashtaggy‘.
12. A Nossa Língua de Todo Dia – Pasquale Cipro Neto
Level: Advanced
Professor Pasquale is a famous Portuguese teacher and language expert who answers every listener’s questions about real-life usage and grammar.
He illustrates his points with very well excerpts from classic Brazilian music and quotes from politicians and celebrities.
13. Psicopatas Portugueses
Level: Advanced
Every episode of Psicopatas Portugueses talks about the mind of a killer in some Portugal’s most infamous murder cases.
14. Tubo de Ensaio – TSF
Level: Advanced
For a fun quick challenge, try these irreverent three-minute commentaries delivered with dry humor in rapid-fire slangy Portuguese.
15. Learn Portuguese on Spotify
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Listen to these well chosen episodes that will help you in your Portuguese learning journey. Listen and repeat! With over eight hours of Portuguese instruction, you will surely learn something new everyday.
16. Fala Gringo
Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Lastly, ‘Fala Gringo’ is a podcast by language teacher Leni. In his episodes, he covers many topics related to Brazilian customs and culture, which consequently makes it perfect for intermediate and advanced learners.