Traveling between Porto and Lisbon — Taking the tram

Olá!

Hello!

In Portugal, you’ll also hear “Olá, bom dia/boa tarde/boa noite” for a more polite greeting.

Portuguese people often greet with a quick “Olá” plus a smile; on public transport, it’s normal to greet the driver.

Vais

Are you going (informal)?

“Vais” = tu (informal) form of “ir” (to go). For polite/formal: “Vai?” (você) or “Vai sair…?”.

With strangers (like staff), Portuguese often uses a more neutral/polite style than “tu,” depending on the region and context.

Para Lisboa

To Lisbon

“Para” = to/for. In fast speech it often sounds like “p’ra”: “p’ra Lisboa”.

Lisbon is “Lisboa” (leez-BOA). People also say “a capital” (the capital) to mean Lisbon.

Hoje

Today

Pronounced roughly “OH-zhay” (the “j” is like the s in “measure”).

You’ll see “hoje” on timetables and signs for “today’s” schedules or notices.

Vais para Lisboa?

Are you going to Lisbon?

In speech, the question is often just intonation: “Vais para Lisboa?”

In Portugal, people may answer with a short “Vou” or “Sim, vou” without repeating the whole sentence.

Vais para Lisboa hoje?

Are you going to Lisbon today?

Word order is flexible: “Hoje vais para Lisboa?” sounds natural too.

When chatting, adding “hoje” makes it friendly and specific—useful when asking about travel plans.

Sim

Yes

You can strengthen it with “sim, sim” (friendly emphasis), but don’t overdo it.

Portuguese often use “pois” or “claro” too, but “sim” is always safe.

Vou

I’m going

“Vou” is 1st person singular of “ir.” Quick useful combo: “Vou para…” (I’m going to…).

A common short reply in Portugal is just the verb: “Vou.” (No need to say “Sim.”)

Sim, vou.

Yes, I am going.

Comma is optional in casual writing, but the pause sounds natural: “Sim… vou.”

This is a polite, clear confirmation—great when someone is helping you.