When we decided to add the word “European” to the title of our book, we knew it might raise questions. And it did.

Some people didn’t understand the choice. Others disagreed with it strongly. A few comments questioned whether “European Portuguese” even exists as a term.

So let’s explain—clearly, honestly, and respectfully – why we made this decision and who it is for.

First, let’s be clear: this is not a political statement

Adding “European” to “Portuguese” is not a denial of history, identity, or linguistic unity.

Portuguese is one language with multiple standard varieties, shaped by geography, history, and daily use. This is true for many languages:

• English → British, American, Australian
• French → European, Canadian

No one doubts that these are all English or French. The adjective simply helps learners know what they’re getting.

Portuguese is no different.

Addressing a common objection

“European Portuguese doesn’t exist. There is Brazilian Portuguese and Portuguese.”

From a native speaker’s perspective, this feeling is understandable. In Portugal, “português” naturally means the language spoken in Portugal.

But from a learner’s perspective, especially an international one, this distinction is not obvious at all.

On the global market:

• “Portuguese” often defaults to Brazilian Portuguese
• Many resources don’t specify the variant
• Learners only discover the difference after weeks/months of study

That frustration is exactly what we wanted to avoid.

The real problem learners face

Both authors of this book have heard the same complaint again and again:

“I thought I was learning Portuguese from Portugal… but it turned out to be Brazilian.”

This happens with:

• Books on Amazon
• Online courses
• Language apps (for example Duolingo)
• In the past: older versions of Google Translate

For years, learners had no reliable way to know which Portuguese they were studying unless it was explicitly stated.

Today, this situation has improved, but the confusion still exists.

Why “European Portuguese” helps

Adding the adjective solves a practical problem:

• It sets clear expectations
• It saves learners time and frustration
• It respects their goals (living, working or integrating in Portugal)

This is not just our approach.

Many respected platforms do exactly the same, for example:

• Practice Portuguese, Portuguese with Leo, Portuguese Lab Academy and much more…
• Universities and language schools across Europe (for example King’s College London)
• Linguistic and academic publications (for example Journal of Portuguese Linguistics)

Even Wikipedia uses the term European Portuguese (Português europeu) as a standard reference.

So this is not an invention, nor a marketing trick – it is a widely accepted descriptive term.

What about Angola, Mozambique, and other countries?

Another comment we received said, in essence:

“What is spoken in Angola or Mozambique is the same as in Portugal.”

Linguistically, these varieties are closer to European Portuguese than to Brazilian Portuguese in many aspects -but they also have their own pronunciation, vocabulary, and influences.

Once again, the adjective is not about exclusion. It is about precision.

Our book is designed for learners who want to understand and use standard Portuguese as spoken in Portugal today.

A note for learners

If you’re learning Portuguese, here’s a simple rule:

Always check which variant a resource teaches.

Ask yourself:

• Does it match the country where I live or plan to live?
• Does it reflect the pronunciation I hear around me?
• Does it use vocabulary I encounter daily?

Choosing the right variant early makes learning faster, easier and far less frustrating.

In conclusion

We didn’t add “European” to create division.
We added it to create clarity.

For learners, clarity is not a luxury – it’s a necessity.

And if one extra word helps someone confidently say:

“Yes, this is the Portuguese I’m looking for”

then that word belongs in the title.

Golpe de Sorte, which translates roughly to Lucky Break, aired from 2019 to 2021 and spans four seasons with a total of 238 episodes. The story revolves around Maria do Céu, a humble fruit vendor from a small village whose life changes completely after winning the Euromillions lottery. The series blends family drama, mystery and human emotions, following Céu and her children as they navigate wealth, secrets, relationships and the twists that come with sudden fortune.

I watch the show on Opto SIC, which you can access on Smart TV, mobile app or website. There’s a free version with ads – roughly every 7–8 minutes – and a paid version without interruptions and more series available. Even the ads become part of the learning experience – they give you extra exposure to everyday Portuguese and different speaking styles, which can be just as valuable for your listening comprehension.

When I first started, I often didn’t understand most of what was said. What helped me a lot was reading about the main characters and the plot in Portuguese before watching. This gave me context, so when I watched an episode, even if I missed exact words, I still understood what was happening. While watching, I keep a notebook beside me and take quick notes without pausing: new vocabulary, interesting expressions, phrases that repeat. When I stop for the day (often halfway through an episode), I review those notes and check the actual meanings. I sometimes realize I even heard a word incorrectly the first time – so this review step is crucial.

Watching series isn’t just about learning words and phrases – it’s also about culture. You begin to recognize how people speak in real situations – how they express surprise, frustration, affection or sarcasm and how they celebrate, what they buy, eat etc. – and this cultural insight is priceless for anyone learning Portuguese beyond textbooks. For people already living in Portugal, this method brings you even closer to everyday spoken language and contemporary expressions.

So don’t be disappointed or tempted to give up if at first you don’t understand much. Using plot summaries and character descriptions (especially in Portuguese) can make a big difference. The more you immerse yourself – by actively watching, noting, and reviewing – the more you will understand. And most importantly: it works! Learning through TV shows like Golpe de Sorte makes studying Portuguese fun, culturally rich and deeply rewarding.

Bonus – some expressions I have learnt

Faz-me tanta falta.
I miss him so much. (literally: It makes such a lack to me.)

Tenho confiança em  ti.
I trust you. / I have confidence in you.

Aconteça o que acontecer…
Whatever happens…

Vamos afastar esta tristeza. 
Let’s push this sadness away.
Let’s get rid of this sadness.