Culture guide
People in Portugal are warm and courteous, a little reserved at first, and more formal in how they address each other. Life runs later and at a gentler pace.
Greetings
Women, and men greeting women, give two kisses on the cheek (beijinhos). Men shake hands with each other.
Forms of address
People often say "o senhor" / "a senhora" instead of "you", and use titles like "Doutor" for anyone with a degree.
Mealtimes
Lunch (around 1 pm) can be long; dinner is around 8–9 pm. Coffee follows every meal.
Time
Social plans are relaxed, and 15–30 minutes late is common. Official appointments can involve patience and waiting.
Coffee
"Um café" is a small espresso, drunk standing at the counter in a minute. A milky coffee is "um galão" or "uma meia de leite".
Bread and starters
Bread, olives and cheese put on the table aren't free. Send them back if you don't want them, or they'll be on the bill.
Shops and hours
Small shops may close for lunch, and some close on Sunday. Big supermarkets and shopping centres open every day.
Family
Family comes first, and Sunday lunch with parents and grandparents is a fixture. Adult children often live at home for longer.
Modesty
People rarely boast, and they may play down their own country. Don't agree too quickly when they criticise it.
Gendered endings
Endings follow the speaker: a woman says "Obrigada" and "Estou cansada", a man "Obrigado" and "Estou cansado".
These are general tendencies, not rules: every person, family and region is different. When in doubt, watch what others do, and ask. People are usually glad you did.
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