14 Portuguese Gen Z Slang Words to Add to Your Vocab

Portuguese Slang 101: Gen Z Edition – 14 Must-Know Phrases to Level Up Your Portuguese

So, you think you’ve nailed Portuguese because you can say “olá” and “obrigado”? Well, hold up! If you really want to blend in with the younger crowd in Portugal, you’ve gotta get on that Gen Z slang game. From Lisbon’s trendy cafes to Portuguese TikTok, the youth have their own unique way of speaking—and it’s all about casual vibes, humor, and internet culture.

Ready to sound like a true Lisbon local? We’ve got 14 essential Gen Z slang terms that’ll take your Portuguese to the next level. Whether you’re trying to keep up with your Portuguese friends or just want to vibe with the coolest slang, here’s your guide to what’s trending!

Talk Like a Lisbon Local: Top Gen Z Slang Guide

1. "Bueda" (Bué)

If you want to emphasize something, bueda is your go-to word. It's the Gen Z equivalent of “super” or “a lot,” and you can throw it in front of just about anything. Whether you’re talking about how much fun you had at a party or how busy your day was, bueda adds some serious intensity to your sentences. You’ll hear this one everywhere from schools to the streets of Lisbon.

Pronunciation: “Bway-dah” (sounds like "bwair-dah")
How to use it: "That concert was so cool!"
In short: Use bueda when you want to say “very” or “a lot,” whether you're describing something amazing or overwhelming.

2. "Fixe"

This one’s a classic. Fixe has been around for a while, but it’s still a favorite among Gen Z. It’s the perfect word to say something is cool, awesome, or great. Whether you’re talking about a new song, a stylish outfit, or a fun event, fixe is a simple yet powerful way to express that something rocks.

Pronunciation: “Feesh” (rhymes with "fish")
How to use it: "This song is so cool."
In short: When you want to give props to something or someone for being awesome, just say fixe.

3. "Ya"

Sometimes you just need a quick, casual way to say “yes,” and ya is exactly that. It’s the chill, informal version of “sim,” and you’ll hear it in everyday conversations between friends. Whether you’re agreeing with a statement or confirming plans, ya is the perfect way to keep things relaxed and low-key.

Pronunciation: “Yah” (sounds like “yeah”)
How to use it: "Do you want to come? Yeah!"
In short: Swap out “sim” with ya when you’re in a casual setting, especially with friends.

4. "Cenas"

Cenas is a super versatile slang word that basically means “stuff” or “things.” If you don’t feel like going into detail or just want to keep it vague, cenas is the word to use. Whether you're talking about your plans, your responsibilities, or random objects, cenas has got you covered. Portuguese Gen Z uses this all the time when they want to keep things laid-back and non-specific.

Pronunciation: “Seh-nas” (sounds like "seh-nahs")
How to use it: "I’ve got some stuff to do."
In short: When you don’t want to get into specifics, just say cenas—it works for almost anything.

5. "Tás a ver?"

Literally meaning “you see?”, tás a ver is the phrase to use when you’re trying to make sure someone is following what you’re saying or agreeing with you. It’s a great way to emphasize your point and check if your friend is on the same page. You’ll hear it all the time in casual conversations, especially when someone’s telling a story or trying to explain something.

Pronunciation: “Tash ah vair”
How to use it: "We had an amazing night, you see?"
In short: Use tás a ver? to check if someone is understanding or vibing with your story.

6. "Bora"

Ready to rally the squad and get moving? Bora is the Portuguese Gen Z way of saying “let’s go” or “come on.” Whether you’re heading out for a night on the town or just trying to get your friends to hurry up, bora is the word that gets everyone hyped and ready to go. It's short, sweet, and perfect for getting people moving.

Pronunciation: “Bor-rah” (sounds like "boh-rah")
How to use it: "Let’s go to the beach!"
In short: When it’s time to move, rally the crew with bora.

7. "Tá-se"

This laid-back phrase is perfect when you’re in a chill mood. Tá-se roughly translates to “it’s cool” or “I’m fine.” It’s a nonchalant way to respond to a question or comment, and it gives off strong “no worries” vibes. Portuguese Gen Z loves using this when they’re feeling relaxed and easy-going about a situation.

Pronunciation: “Tah-seh” (sounds like "tah-seh")
How to use it: "You good? Yeah, I’m fine."
In short: Use tá-se when you want to give off cool, relaxed vibes.

8. "Mano"

Even though mano literally means “brother,” it’s used in a much more flexible way. Portuguese Gen Z uses mano to mean “bro” or “dude,” and it’s used for both guys and girls. Whether you're hyping up a friend or calling out to someone, mano is a casual and friendly way to refer to your buddies. It’s a must-know term if you want to sound like a real local.

Pronunciation: “Mah-noh” (sounds like "mah-noh")
How to use it: "Hey bro, what’s up?"
In short: Use mano as your go-to word for “dude” or “bro” with friends.

9. "Tipo"

Tipo is a super common filler word in Portuguese, much like “like” in English. You’ll hear it used in conversations as a way to pause, think, or explain something. It’s a casual way to keep the flow going, and Portuguese Gen Z uses it constantly. Whether you’re explaining your thoughts or just buying time to figure out what to say next, tipo is your filler word of choice.

Pronunciation: “Tee-poh” (sounds like "tee-poh")
How to use it: "I was, like, super busy yesterday."
In short: Use tipo to pause or add emphasis, like the word "like" in English.

10. "Moca"

Feeling a bit out of it? Then moca is the word for you. Portuguese Gen Z uses moca to describe the feeling of being super tired, out of energy, or just plain spaced out. Whether you're dealing with a hangover or just didn’t get enough sleep, moca perfectly captures that drained feeling. It’s your go-to word for when your brain’s running on low battery.

Pronunciation: “Moh-kah” (sounds like "moh-kah")
How to use it: "I’m feeling so out of it today."
In short: When you’re tired or zoned out, say you’ve got moca.

11. "Fogo"

Fogo is a quick and easy way to express surprise or frustration. It’s similar to saying “damn” or “wow” in English. Whether something is unexpectedly good or seriously annoying, fogo is a perfect reaction. It’s short, snappy, and commonly used in Portuguese Gen Z slang to show that you’re taken aback or impressed.

Pronunciation: “Fo-go” (sounds like "foh-go")
How to use it: "Damn, that’s crazy!"
In short: Use fogo when you’re surprised, shocked, or just need to react quickly.

12. "Baze"

When you’re done with a place or situation, baze is the word to use. It’s Gen Z’s way of saying they’re out or about to leave. Whether you’re bored at a party or just ready to head home, baze is the perfect way to tell your friends it’s time to go. Short, simple, and straight to the point.

Pronunciation: “Bah-zeh” (sounds like "bah-zeh")
How to use it: "I’m out, see you later."
In short: When you’re leaving a place or situation, just say baze.

13. "Bué Da Fixe"

A combination of two popular slang words, bué da fixe means “super cool.” It’s used when you really want to hype something up and let everyone know how awesome it is. Whether you’re talking about a great event, an amazing person, or just something that made your day, bué da fixe says it all. It’s a high-energy phrase you’ll hear all over Portugal.

Pronunciation: “Bway-dah-feesh”
How to use it: "That concert was super cool."
In short: For something extra awesome, say it’s bué da fixe.

14. "Na Boa"

Na boa is the Portuguese Gen Z way of saying “no worries” or “it’s all good.” It’s used to express that you’re chill and everything is fine. Whether someone’s apologizing to you or you’re just letting them know you’re easy-going, na boa is the phrase that gives off relaxed, carefree vibes.

Pronunciation: “Nah-boh-ah” (sounds like "nah boh-ah")
How to use it: "No worries, it’s all good."
In short: When you want to show that you're chill or unbothered, say na boa.

Now that you’ve got these 14 Gen Z Portuguese slang words in your arsenal, you’re ready to vibe like a true local. Whether you’re exploring the streets of Lisbon or chatting with friends online, these phrases will help you sound effortlessly cool and in the know. From dropping bueda for emphasis to using na boa when you’re feeling chill, you’ll blend in with the crowd in no time. So go ahead and practice these words—it’s time to step up your Portuguese slang game!

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