PrettyFluent
This is just a lesson preview. Get the interactive lesson free on PrettyFluent
🚄❓🚆

How to Say ‘Alfa Pendular or Intercidades?’ in Portuguese

Alfa Pendular ou Intercidades?

AHL-fah pen-doo-LAHR oh een-ter-see-DAH-desh

[AHL-fah pen-doo-LAHR oh een-ter-see-DAH-desh]

🇵🇹 In Portugal: These are the two main trains on the Porto–Lisbon line. The Alfa Pendular is faster, pricier and makes fewer stops. The Intercidades is cheaper and a bit slower.

Phrase Breakdown

Alfa Pendular

AHL-fah pen-doo-LAHR

Alfa Pendular (the fast train)

This is the name of Portugal's high-speed train. Stress 'AL-fa' and 'pen-du-LAR'. The 'en' in 'Pendular' is nasal.

Example

O Alfa Pendular é rápido.

The Alfa Pendular is fast.

Words in this phrase

Alfa

[AHL-fah]

Alfa

First part of the name of Portugal's fastest train, the Alfa Pendular.

Example

O Alfa chega às onze.

The Alfa arrives at eleven.

Pendular

[pen-doo-LAHR]

tilting

Describes a tilting train; part of the name Alfa Pendular.

Example

O comboio pendular é rápido.

The tilting train is fast.

ou Intercidades?

oh een-ter-see-DAH-desh

or Intercidades (intercity train)?

'Ou' sounds like 'oh'. 'Intercidades' is the intercity train. Stress the syllable 'DA', and the final '-des' sounds like 'desh'.

Example

Prefiro o Intercidades.

I prefer the Intercidades.

Words in this phrase

ou

[oh]

or

Used to present an alternative in a question or comparison.

Example

No networking, posso perguntar se o ambiente é formal ou descontraído.

In networking, I can ask whether the atmosphere is formal or relaxed.

Intercidades

[een-ter-see-DAH-desh]

Intercity

A slower, cheaper long-distance train service in Portugal.

Example

O Intercidades para em mais estações.

The Intercity stops at more stations.

Related guides

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Download PrettyFluent on the App StoreGet Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Moved to Lisbon with zero Portuguese and honestly thought I’d be pointing at menus forever. Three weeks in and I’m having real conversations with my landlord.”

Priya N., 35, Freelance Designer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer