6 Real-World Benefits of Learning Portuguese

Many students overlook Portuguese in favor of more commonly studied languages like Spanish or French. But the real-world benefits of learning Portuguese are surprisingly far-reaching. Whether you’re preparing for college, aiming to boost your career, or planning to explore the world, learning Portuguese offers a strong return on investment.

Here are six real-world benefits of learning Portuguese that make it worth your while.

1. Portuguese Is Easier for English Speakers Than You Think.

While Portuguese is a Romance language and English is Germanic, both share Latin roots. That means you’ll find plenty of cognates—words that sound and look similar—making vocabulary acquisition faster.

In fact, according to the Foreign Service Institute, Portuguese is one of the easiest world languages for native English speakers to learn.

You’ll find that Portuguese shares many similarities with English. Fascinatingly, English, Spanish, French, and Italian all have the same . You’ll likely find quite a few words that sound alike in both tongues. These linguistic similarities are one of the key benefits of learning Portuguese for English speakers.

2. Portuguese Is a Gateway to Other Romance Languages. 

One of the often-overlooked benefits of learning Portuguese is that it builds a strong foundation for learning other Romance languages like Spanish, French, and Italian. These languages share many grammar rules and vocabulary patterns.

If you already speak Spanish, you’ll notice even more similarities. And if you’re just getting started, you’ll find that Portuguese makes a smart first step into the Romance language family.

3. Unlock Travel Opportunities: One of the Best Benefits of Learning Portuguese

Nine countries—including Brazil, Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde—designate Portuguese as their official language. That makes it incredibly useful for travelers and digital nomads.

Portugal, for example, offers a digital nomad visa and is known for its high quality of life, affordable living, and vibrant culture. Speaking Portuguese not only helps you navigate your destination more easily, but it also allows you to connect with locals on a deeper, more respectful level.

4. Portuguese Can Open Doors in Global Markets.

Brazil, the largest Portuguese-speaking country, plays a significant role in global agriculture, energy, and natural resource sectors. While its economy has experienced fluctuations, Brazil is a regional economic leader in Latin America and an important trade partner for many countries.

For professionals in fields like international business, education, diplomacy, and nonprofit work, knowing Portuguese can give you a strategic advantage when working with Lusophone markets. Because fewer people study Portuguese than Spanish or French, your fluency can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

5. Access a Global Community: Social Benefits of Learning Portuguese

Portuguese is the 8th most spoken language in the world—used by over 265 million people. From Europe and South America to parts of Africa and Asia, learning Portuguese opens doors to rich and diverse cultures across continents.

6. Learning Portuguese Deepens Cultural Appreciation.

Language learning is more than vocabulary—it’s about understanding music, food, film, and traditions. When you’re interested in Brazilian samba, Portuguese fado, or Angolan literature, speaking the language opens the door to these vibrant cultural expressions.

Learn Portuguese Online

To sum up, Portuguese offers countless personal and professional rewards—and it’s a beautiful, widely spoken language. From improving cognitive function to enhancing empathy, the benefits of learning Portuguese are real and far-reaching.

At LanguageBird, we offer live, one-to-one Portuguese instruction with native-speaking teachers who work around your schedule. Whether you’re earning school credit or learning for fun, our instructors tailor each accredited course to your goals and interests.