Learn Portuguese Portuguese Culture and Customs 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'obrigado/obrigada' mean and when should a US learner use each form?
- Thank you — 'obrigado' for men speaking, 'obrigada' for women speaking (Correct answer)
- Thank you — either form works for anyone
- Thank you — 'obrigado' for male recipients, 'obrigada' for female recipients
- Excuse me
Correct answer: Thank you — 'obrigado' for men speaking, 'obrigada' for women speaking
In Portuguese, the speaker's gender determines the form: men say 'obrigado' and women say 'obrigada,' both meaning 'thank you.'
Question 2: Which hand gesture is considered rude or vulgar in Brazil and should be avoided?
- The 'okay' circle sign (index finger and thumb touching) (Correct answer)
- The thumbs up
- Waving hello
- Pointing with the index finger
Correct answer: The 'okay' circle sign (index finger and thumb touching)
In Brazil, the 'okay' gesture (thumb and forefinger forming a circle) is considered a vulgar insult, unlike in the United States where it means 'okay.'
Question 3: What is the cultural significance of 'Dia de Nossa Senhora Aparecida' in Brazil?
- It is Brazil's national Catholic holiday honoring the patron saint (Correct answer)
- It is Brazil's independence day
- It is a harvest festival
- It is a day to honor the dead
Correct answer: It is Brazil's national Catholic holiday honoring the patron saint
Dia de Nossa Senhora Aparecida (October 12) is Brazil's national Catholic holiday honoring the country's patron saint, the Virgin Mary.
Question 4: In Portugal and Brazil, what does 'bom dia' literally translate to?
- Good day / Good morning (Correct answer)
- Good night
- Hello
- Good afternoon
Correct answer: Good day / Good morning
'Bom dia' literally means 'good day' in Portuguese and is used as the standard morning greeting.
Question 5: What is 'capoeira,' a word commonly encountered when learning about Brazilian culture?
- A Brazilian martial art combining dance and acrobatics (Correct answer)
- A traditional dance from Bahia
- A type of Brazilian street food
- A samba music subgenre
Correct answer: A Brazilian martial art combining dance and acrobatics
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that blends self-defense, dance, acrobatics, and music, developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil.
Question 6: What is the significance of the Portuguese expression 'Boa sorte'?
- It means 'Good luck' (Correct answer)
- It means 'Take care'
- It means 'See you later'
- It means 'You're welcome'
Correct answer: It means 'Good luck'
'Boa sorte' means 'Good luck' in Portuguese — 'boa' means 'good' and 'sorte' means 'luck' or 'fortune.'
Learn Portuguese Portuguese Culture and Customs 2
What does 'obrigado/obrigada' mean and when should a US learner use each form?