Learn the alphabet as it is pronounced for Portuguese. Some written Portuguese words may appear similar or identical to those in Spanish, but are pronounced differently. Spanish speakers may find the differences in pronunciation of the Spanish and Portuguese versions of the letters "j", "x", and "r" especially challenging. Portuguese also makes a greater differentiation between the letters "v" and "b" than in Spanish.The website Omniglot features a chart of the Portuguese alphabet with names of letters spelled out, and a native Brazilian reciting the alphabet. Learning the alphabet will help you learn how to pronounce new words and to spell words and write dictation as your Portuguese advances.
Study Portuguese vocabulary. Be aware of "false friends." False friends are words that are similar or even identical in two languages but that mean completely different things. For example, "rojo" is the Spanish word for the color red. "Roxo" is a Portuguese word that looks similar to "rojo," but means purple, not red. Use a Portuguese dictionary. You can find several free translation dictionaries online as well as Portuguese dictionaries.
Practice speaking. There are two main types of Portuguese: Brazilian and European. You can find language learning tools for both of these types. However, if you are interested in learning the Portuguese of a specific country or region, you can find native language partners with whom you can practice that particular form. For example, if you want to travel to or interact with people from Portuguese-speaking areas such as the Azore Islands, Mozambique or East Timor, look on the website MyLanguageExchange for online language partners from those areas.
Accustom your ear and challenge yourself to respond in Portuguese when in conversation. As you begin to study Portuguese you may be tempted to respond in Spanish. The best way to gain fluency in Portuguese is to make it a habit by practicing as much as possible with other fluent speakers.Transition to the immersion method as soon as you can, using only Portuguese in your study and conversation sessions.