What to Listen to, Watch, and Read to Learn Portuguese While Having Fun 🎧📺📚

walker8770
Aug 4
3 min read

Let’s be honest — language learning is way more exciting when you actually enjoy the process. If you're tired of memorizing grammar rules and drilling flashcards, it's time to switch things up. The best part? You can learn Portuguese by watching shows, listening to music, and reading content you love.

In this guide, we’ll show you what to listen to, watch, and read so you can improve your Portuguese skills while having fun — whether you're just starting or looking to level up. 🎧 What to Listen to: Music & Podcasts

1. Brazilian Music (MPB, Funk, Sertanejo, Samba, and more!)

Music is a powerful tool for learning pronunciation, rhythm, and vocabulary. Try listening to:

Anitta (Pop/Funk) – catchy lyrics and modern slang
Chico Buarque or Elis Regina – for classic Brazilian Portuguese and poetic vocabulary
Marília Mendonça – great for learning everyday expressions
Natiruts – relaxed reggae to help with listening comprehension

📝 Pro tip: Read the lyrics while you listen. Use platforms like Letras.mus.br or Genius.com.

2. Podcasts for Learners

Podcasts are perfect for improving listening skills during your commute, walk, or workout.

"Brazilian Portuguese Podcast" – short episodes with slow and clear speech
"Fala Gringo" – for intermediate learners with cultural context
"Café Brasil" – deeper discussions for advanced learners
"Portuguese With Leo" – a learner-friendly mix of grammar and conversation

📺 What to Watch: TV Shows, Movies & YouTube

1. Brazilian TV Shows & Series

Watching series helps you understand how people actually speak Portuguese in real life.

3% (Netflix) – Brazil's first Netflix original; sci-fi with a clear accent
Sintonia – modern slang and São Paulo culture
Coisa Mais Linda – great for hearing elegant, vintage Portuguese
O Mecanismo – a political drama with fast-paced speech and advanced vocabulary

📝 Start with subtitles in your language, then switch to Portuguese as you get more confident!

2. Brazilian Movies

Some top picks:

Central do Brasil – touching story and clear speech
Que Horas Ela Volta? – strong social themes and authentic conversation
Cidade de Deus – intense but excellent for understanding different accents and slang

3. YouTube Channels

Hello Portuguese – short, structured lessons
Tá Falado – focuses on pronunciation differences
Gaveta – for native Brazilian humor and editing style
Brazilian Portuguese - Book Series – (Yes, our channel!) Learn grammar, vocabulary, and culture through engaging lessons.

📚 What to Read: Books, Blogs & More

1. Beginner-Friendly Books

"O Menino Maluquinho" by Ziraldo – perfect for beginners
"Pedro Bandeira" books – written for teens, easy to follow
Graded Readers – designed for learners with controlled vocabulary

2. Blogs & Articles

Brazilian Portuguese Blog (this one!) – you're already in the right place 😉
LingQ Portuguese Library – tons of real content adapted to your level
News in Slow Portuguese – practice reading the news at a manageable pace

3. Instagram & Social Media

Follow Portuguese teachers and language influencers:

@brazilianportuguesebook
@falarportugues
@portuguescomamor

These profiles often post vocabulary tips, cultural facts, and grammar explained in simple terms.

Final Tip: Make It a Daily Habit

Learning Portuguese should never feel like a chore. Pick what you enjoy — music, shows, books — and integrate it into your daily routine. Even 15 minutes a day makes a huge difference over time.

👉 Want to take your learning even further? Check out our Brazilian Portuguese Book Series – written especially for English speakers who want to speak real, conversational Portuguese.

🏆 Best Book for Beginners

If you want to learn Brazilian Portuguese with ease and fun, my top recommendation is:

Brazilian Portuguese for Beginners: Everyday Situations (often called Brazilian Portuguese Book 1) — a well-structured, learner-friendly guide designed especially for English speakers. It’s widely praised as an excellent tool for beginners, with clear explanations and helpful audio support for pronunciation and conversational practice.

You can find it on Amazon Brazil here: Brazilian Portuguese for Beginners on Amazon

✍️ Why This Book Stands Out

Everyday Portuguese: Focuses on common, real-life vocabulary and dialogues.
Clear Audio: Helps you practice listening and speaking, building confidence early.
Ideal for Beginners: Designed for English speakers with structured, digestible lessons.
Regular Feedback from Learners: Readers report it's easy to follow and very helpful—one said: “I recommend doing one chapter every day and taking notes separately in a notebook”