About Me
A carioca who fell in love with teaching — and wants to share it with you
Lençóis Maranhenses, BrazilI'm a carioca who loves two things:
technology and the Portuguese language.
By day, I've been a software developer for over 15 years — building products, solving complex problems, and working with teams across the world. That career taught me something important: communication is everything.
About 5 years ago, a foreign colleague asked me to help him with his Portuguese. I said yes — and something clicked. I absolutely loved it. The way his eyes lit up the first time he understood a joke in Portuguese. The moment he called a waiter in Rio and actually had a full conversation. I was hooked.
Since then I've been teaching Portuguese online, and I can honestly say it's one of the best things I've ever done. I bring the same mindset I use in software to my lessons: structured thinking, clear goals, and constant iteration — but wrapped in the warmth and energy of someone who grew up in Rio.
I grew up in Rio, went to the beach on weekends, watched Carnival from the street, cheered for my team at Maracanã. That's the Portuguese I teach — real, alive, and unmistakably carioca.
Teaching Portuguese the way
it's actually spoken in Rio
The Carioca Accent
That soft "s", the swallowed syllables, the melody of Rio speech — I teach you the real sound of Brazilian Portuguese, not the generic version.
Gírias & Slang
"E aí, mano?" "Que saudade!" "Tô ligado." Real carioca expressions that textbooks never teach — but Brazilians use every single day.
Developer Mindset
15 years in tech taught me to break down complex problems into simple steps. That's exactly how I structure my lessons — logical, clear, and efficient.
Speaking from Day One
No endless grammar drills before you open your mouth. We talk from the very first lesson — because confidence comes from doing, not studying.
Culture & Music
Samba, funk carioca, pagode — Brazilian music is one of the best ways to absorb the language. We use it to make the learning stick.
Your Goals, Your Pace
Whether you're learning for travel, work, love, or just curiosity — every lesson is designed around what matters to you.
Rio de Janeiro is not just where I'm from — it's who I am. The way we talk, the way we laugh, the way we say “saudade” and actually mean it… I want every student of mine to feel that. Not just speak Portuguese — but feel it.
Questions you probably have
before booking
What happens in the $5 intro lesson?
The intro lesson is a relaxed 30-minute conversation where we get to know each other. I'll ask about your background, your goals, and why you want to learn Portuguese. You'll get a feel for my teaching style, my energy, and how I structure lessons — and I'll get a sense of your current level. By the end, you'll know exactly whether this is the right fit for you. No pressure, no commitment.
What platform do we use?
We use Google Meet or Microsoft Teams — whichever works best for you. Both are free, easy to set up, and work well for conversation-based lessons. All you need is a stable internet connection and a quiet place to talk.
Do I need to speak Portuguese before starting?
Since my method is conversation-based, having at least a basic foundation helps you get the most out of every lesson. If you speak some Spanish, that counts too — the languages are close enough that you'll pick things up surprisingly fast. Complete beginners are welcome, but we'll move at a pace that matches where you are.
How long until I can hold a real conversation?
Honestly, it depends on you — your dedication, how often we meet, and how much you practice outside of lessons. What I can tell you is that students who commit to regular lessons and aren't afraid to make mistakes progress much faster than they expect. Some students are having basic conversations within weeks. Others take a few months. The key is consistency.
Do you teach grammar?
Grammar comes up naturally — not as a subject, but as a tool. When you make a mistake mid-conversation, I'll gently correct it and explain why. That way, grammar sticks because it's connected to something real you were trying to say. There are no grammar drills or textbook exercises. Just real conversation, real corrections, and real progress.
Can you help me with a specific goal?
Absolutely. Whether you're preparing for a trip to Brazil, trying to connect with a Brazilian partner's family, working with Brazilian colleagues, or just falling in love with the language — the lessons adapt to your context. The method is always conversational, but the vocabulary, topics, and scenarios we practice will be tailored to what actually matters to you.
Does a 100% conversational method actually work?
It's the same way you learned your native language — not through grammar books, but through speaking, listening, and making mistakes. I've been using this method for 5 years with over 500 students, and the results speak for themselves. Students who come in nervous about speaking leave lessons feeling confident, understood, and genuinely excited to keep going. Conversation isn't just a method — it's the destination.