Communicate in Brazil Through Writing or Libras: Useful Portuguese Phrases — Practice

Say which communication method works for you

Libras is Língua Brasileira de Sinais, Brazilian Sign Language. Some people communicate in Libras, some prefer writing or speech, and preferences differ. Ask the person how they prefer to communicate rather than assuming.

Use prefiro me comunicar por escrito to say ‘I prefer to communicate in writing.’ You can also type a sentence on your phone and ask the other person to read it.

Ask whether Libras support is available

If Libras is the method you use, ask whether an interpreter or another support option is available for this service. Availability and arrangements can depend on the organization and situation, so ask the provider directly.

Address the person you are speaking with, even if an interpreter or companion is helping with communication. Let each person communicate in the way that works for them.

Check that important information was understood

If a direction or appointment detail matters, ask the staff member to write it down or send it by message. Repeat the main point back so both people can confirm the same information.

These phrases help with communication, but they do not imply that every deaf person uses Libras or prefers writing. Ask the individual what works best.

Remember: Ask about communication support and follow the individual’s preference for Libras, writing, or another method.

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. I prefer to communicate in writing.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Prefiro me comunicar por escrito.

2. Could you write the information, please?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Você pode escrever a informação, por favor?

3. Is service available in Libras?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Há atendimento em Libras?

4. Is it possible to request a Libras interpreter?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   É possível solicitar um intérprete de Libras?

5. Could you write down the address and time?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Pode escrever o endereço e o horário?

6. Just to confirm: the appointment is at two?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Só para confirmar: a consulta é às duas?

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 about communication support and follow the individual’s preference for Libras, writing, or another method.

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 Communicate in Brazil Through Writing or Libras: Useful Portuguese Phrases 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.