💡 In the lift and on the stairs it's normal to say hello even to neighbours you don't know: Bom dia or Boa tarde is the minimum.
💡 Então, tudo bem? is an ordinary greeting, not a real question; people answer briefly: Tudo, e consigo? ("Fine, and you?").
💡 Portuguese people are often genuinely interested in Ukraine and supportive - a good chance to get to know each other better.
💡 Introducing yourself to the neighbours after moving in is good manners: Sou o novo vizinho do terceiro - "I'm the new neighbour from the third floor".
💡 A few sentences about yourself are your "business card": who you are, who you live with, what you do. Learn them by heart.
💡 The easiest answer to weather talk is Pois é! - "Right!" - it sounds natural.
💡 The reply to a good wish is Igualmente! - "You too!"
💡 You can decline help simply and politely: Não é preciso, obrigado - "No need, thank you".
💡 Portuguese people love children and often talk to them - it's just friendliness.
💡 It's fine to ask again: Desculpe, não percebi sounds polite, and neighbours are happy to repeat.
💡 The residents' meeting is the assembleia de condóminos; tenants usually don't vote, but the information can be useful.
💡 The building contributions (quotas do condomínio) are usually paid by the owner; if the contract says otherwise, it has to be written down.
💡 First it's worth talking yourself, politely; a complaint to the building manager or the police only if that doesn't help.
💡 In Portuguese buildings footsteps and children's play are easy to hear; felt pads on furniture legs and rugs help a lot.
💡 Turn off the water and tell your landlord straight away: leaks are usually dealt with through the home insurance.
💡 Rubbish is sorted at ecopontos: yellow - plastic and metal, blue - paper, green - glass.
💡 Faults in shared areas are reported to the building management (administração do condomínio) - the phone number is often posted by the entrance.
💡 Neighbours are often glad to take in parcels for each other - a small thank-you gift is a nice gesture.
💡 A request like this is a sign of trust; a good chance to make friends with your neighbours.
💡 At Christmas people say Feliz Natal or Boas Festas, at Easter Boa Páscoa, for New Year Feliz Ano Novo.
💡 Santos Populares - the June street festivals (in Lisbon, Santo António; in Porto, São João): sardines, music and pots of basil (manjerico).
💡 A polite request: Podia emprestar-me…? - "Could you lend me…?"
💡 Inviting neighbours for coffee or something sweet is a great way to get into local life; and bring something Ukrainian.
💡 The dish you were given food in is traditionally returned not empty - with something of your own.
💡 Before petting someone else's dog, ask: Posso fazer uma festa? - "May I pet him?"