Portuguese at a Dog Park: Introductions and Polite Questions — Practice

Ask before letting dogs approach

A simple Tudo bem se eles se conhecerem? means ‘Is it okay if they meet?’ Ask the other person before your dog approaches. Not every animal wants to interact, and the owner can tell you what is comfortable for their dog.

You can also ask if the dog is friendly with other dogs or if it is better to keep some space. A calm question makes your intention clear without assuming a greeting is welcome.

Describe your own dog's behavior

Tell the other owner what you know about your dog: Ela é tímida no começo (She is shy at first) or Ele gosta de brincar (He likes to play). If a behavior is uncertain, say so rather than promising how the dog will react.

Use na guia for on a leash and sem guia for off leash. Follow posted park rules and the other person's boundaries while you talk.

End the interaction politely

If either dog needs space, say Vamos dar um pouco de espaço (Let's give them a little space). If the greeting goes well, you can ask the dog's name or age with Como ele se chama? or Quantos anos ele tem?.

Do not assume that a friendly exchange means the animals should keep playing. Check with the owner before each new interaction and watch for their response.

Remember: Ask before a dog approaches, describe your pet honestly, and give both animals space whenever an owner asks or a dog seems uncomfortable.

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. Is it okay if they sniff each other?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Tudo bem se eles se cheirarem?

2. Is he usually calm around other dogs?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Ele costuma ficar tranquilo perto de outros cães?

3. Would you prefer that I keep a little distance?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Prefere que eu mantenha um pouco de distância?

4. He is on a leash and usually greets slowly.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Ele está na guia e costuma cumprimentar devagar.

5. She is still learning to be around other dogs.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Ela ainda está aprendendo a ficar perto de outros cães.

6. Let's take a break and let them both rest.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Vamos dar uma pausa e deixar os dois descansarem.

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 before a dog approaches, describe your pet honestly, and give both animals space whenever an owner asks or a dog seems uncomfortable.

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 Portuguese at a Dog Park: Introductions and Polite Questions 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.