Your Portuguese May Sound Less Natural Than You Think
In English, you’re worried about someone. In Portuguese, you’re worried with someone. In English, you fall in love with someone. In Portuguese, you fall in love for someone.
Most learners don’t notice these differences because the translated sentence makes perfect sense.
I understand that feeling. Even after more than twenty years speaking English every day, I still occasionally want to say what happened with me instead of what happened to me.
Learn frequently used verb-preposition combinations, expand your vocabulary, and get the practice you need to make these structures part of your Portuguese autopilot.
Stop translating word-for-word
Why I Created This Course
I’ve lived in the United States for more than twenty years. I speak English every day. Yet sometimes I still catch myself wanting to say things like “what happened with me” instead of “what happened to me.”
I’m fluent in English but our brains naturally carry patterns from one language into another.
I see the same thing happen with Portuguese learners all the time. That’s why I created this course.
I wanted a way to help learners notice these differences clearly and practice them enough that the correct structures become automatic.
Why Do We Mix These Up All the Time?
worried about
preocupado sobre
preocupado com
Follow Anna's Move to Brazil
This course is built around a short story. As Anna prepares for her move to Brazil, looks for work, and starts building a life there, you’ll learn much more than verb-preposition combinations.
Learn travel vocabulary and useful expressions.
Learn vocabulary for job hunting and professional situations.
Learn vocabulary and expressions for everyday life in Brazil.
Why This Course Is Different
Instead of memorizing long lists of rules, you’ll follow a story, work with real-life examples, and practice in context.
As Anna prepares for her first trip to Brazil, travels, and starts building a life there, you’ll learn frequently used verb-preposition combinations, useful vocabulary, and natural expressions in situations that feel real and memorable.
The course is entirely in Portuguese but all the examples are shown in both Portuguese and English so you can clearly see how the two languages differ.
Notice the Differences That Matter
Using the wrong preposition won’t usually stop a conversation. People will still understand you. But when you carry English patterns into Portuguese, your Portuguese sounds slightly off and less natural.
This course helps you spot those differences, understand them clearly, and use the correct structures more naturally when you speak.
What You’ll Learn
25 Key Combinations
Learn 25 frequently used verb-preposition combinations that are useful in everyday life and at work.
Vocabulary in Context
Expand your vocabulary through real-life situations and the context of Anna's story.
Side-by-Side Comparison
See Portuguese and English side by side to understand where direct translation creates problems.
Beyond Word-for-Word Translation
Build more natural sentences without relying on word-for-word translation.
Portuguese on Autopilot
Practice the structures so you can use them correctly without having to stop and think.
What’s Included
Is This Course Right For You?
This course is for intermediate learners.
You’ll get the most value if you can already have everyday conversations in Portuguese.
The course is taught entirely in Portuguese, with English translations provided for the examples in the explanations.
Stories of Real Connection
“You explain everything so clearly, and the comparisons with English are extremely helpful. The way you lined up English and Portuguese helped me finally understand why I keep making these mistakes.”
"A big help at the right time. This course helped me to understand the correct preposition(s) to use with popular verbs (some not needing a preposition at all), how to avoid common mistakes, and even some handy sayings that I was not aware of beforehand."
"Thanks, I needed that! Professora Luciana and 'StreetSmart Brazil' rule!! With this course Professora Luciana, once again, demonstrates her commitment to highly informative content, delivered with exceptional skill - both personally and technically."
Luciana Lage
Olá 👋 Tudo bem?
I’ve been teaching Brazilian Portuguese for nearly 20 years, including at UC Berkeley and the University of San Francisco.
One thing I’ve heard again and again over the years is that I make things simple when I explain them. I love helping learners reach those moments when things finally click.
Outside of teaching, you’ll often find me working on a jigsaw puzzle. Maybe that’s why I enjoy teaching Portuguese so much. I like helping my students see how the pieces fit together.
Try the Bootcamp Risk-Free
I want you to feel confident that this course is right for you. That’s why I offer a 5-day refund guarantee. If you join the Bootcamp and decide it’s not a good fit, just send me a message within 5 days of your purchase and I’ll refund your payment. No hassle, no hard feelings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of Portuguese do I need for this course?
This course is designed for intermediate learners. The short story, lesson videos, explanations, and exercises are all in Portuguese.
You’ll get the most value from this course if you can already hold everyday conversations in Portuguese, even if you still make mistakes or occasionally translate directly from English.
If you’re still in the early stages of learning Portuguese, you may find this course challenging. In that case, it might be better to come back to it later. It will be here when you’re ready.
Is the content in English or Portuguese?
The short story, lesson videos, explanations, and exercises are all in Portuguese.
Key examples are also shown in English, so you can clearly see how Portuguese and English differ and understand why some structures don’t translate word for word.
This side-by-side approach helps you notice differences that are easy to miss when translating directly from English.
Do I get support if I have questions?
Yes. You’ll have access to a private student community where you can ask questions about the course content or Portuguese in general.
Luciana personally answers the questions, so you’ll be able to get clarification whenever you need it.
How long do I have access to the course?
You get lifetime access to the course and the student community, as long as the program remains available.
The course is self-paced, so you can learn at your own speed and revisit the lessons and exercises whenever you need a refresher.
Pronto para falar com naturalidade?
Master prepositions naturally through stories, not dry charts. Join the Bootcamp de Verbos e Preposições today.