At a Brazilian Cinema: Ask About Captions, Audio Description, and Libras — Practice

Ask which caption option a screening has

Legenda means subtitle or caption, depending on context. Legenda descritiva, also called LSE, can include important sound information as well as dialogue. If you need that feature, use its full name and ask whether it is available for the particular session.

Do not assume every screening offers the same option. Confirm the film version, date, and showtime with the cinema before buying a ticket.

Ask about audio description or Libras

Audiodescrição is audio description: spoken narration of visual information. Libras is a visual sign language used in Brazil. They are different access features, so ask for the one you need rather than using the terms interchangeably.

A venue can tell you whether a feature is available in the film, the session, or through a device. Confirm the collection or setup instructions before you arrive.

Confirm tickets and equipment

Ask how to choose a session with the access feature you need and whether any equipment is provided at the cinema. Availability can vary by film and showtime.

If staff names an option, repeat the date and time to confirm you are looking at the same screening.

Remember: Ask the cinema to confirm captions, audio description, or Libras for the exact film and showtime you plan to attend.

Check your understanding

Choose the English meaning of each Portuguese example. Answer before looking back at the tables. These questions check the written examples in this guide; they are not a listening or proficiency test.

Recall the Portuguese, then say it

Read the English prompt and say a Portuguese version before opening the answer. The answer shows the example from the lesson; other natural translations may also work. Compare the meaning and the situation rather than counting a different word as automatically wrong.

1. Does this screening have descriptive captions?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Esta sessão tem legenda descritiva?

2. Do the captions also describe important sounds?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   As legendas mostram também os sons importantes?

3. Does this screening have audio description?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Esta sessão tem audiodescrição?

4. Is the version with Libras available at this time?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   A versão com Libras está disponível neste horário?

5. How do I find showtimes with this feature?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Como encontro os horários com esse recurso?

6. Do I need to pick up any equipment at the ticket counter?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Preciso retirar algum equipamento na bilheteria?

Make the phrase useful to you

Choose one example you could actually use. Say it once from memory, then change one detail that fits your life, such as the person, place, time, or object. Check whether your change also needs a different verb form, article, or adjective ending. If it does, compare it with the pattern in the explanation.

Ask the cinema to confirm captions, audio description, or Libras for the exact film and showtime you plan to attend.

Return to two prompts tomorrow without opening the answers first. If a phrase still feels difficult, shorten it to a useful chunk and build the complete sentence again.

Sources and your next lesson

This I Speak Portuguese practice guide builds on our At a Brazilian Cinema: Ask About Captions, Audio Description, and Libras lesson on Real Life Portuguese, with written recall tasks and additional speaking practice. The explanations and examples are teaching material; the practice questions are exercises, not a transcript of a recording.

To add Brazilian audio to your routine, choose a lesson in the Real Life Portuguese app. The app offers its own lessons and practice; this page does not imply that every example here has an app recording.