Expressions glossary
Brazilian Portuguese expressions glossary
What Brazilians really mean by the words you hear every day — how to say them, when to use them, and where they turn up in real books.
Popular expressions
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ThanksObrigado / obrigadaObrigado / obrigada is the everyday Brazilian Portuguese way to say “thank you.” Traditionally, the word agrees with the person speaking: a man says obrigado, a woman says obrigada, no matter who they are thanking.
TextingKkkk / rsBrazilians type kkkk in messages, comments, and memes to show laughter or make a line feel playful.
GreetingsTudo bem / tudo bomBrazilians use “Tudo bem?” or “Tudo bom?” when greeting someone, starting a chat, or checking that everything is okay.
ReactionsNossaBrazilians of any gender say Nossa as a common interjection for surprise, admiration, shock, annoyance or indignation.
ReactionsSim / nãoSim is yes; não is no and also not before a verb.
RegionalJeitinho brasileiroBrazilians use jeitinho brasileiro for “finding a way” when the official path is too slow, rigid, expensive, or impossible.
ThanksValeu / vlwBrazilians use valeu as a casual thanks, and often as a quick “cheers/bye” at the end of a friendly exchange.
ReactionsLegalBrazilians use legal as an everyday positive word for news, people, plans, places, and experiences: Que legal!
ReactionsParabénsBrazilians use parabéns to congratulate someone for an achievement or happy event.
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See also:Brazilian Sayings Explained: Popular Ditados, What They Mean, and When to Use ThemBrazilian Portuguese Idioms: Meanings, Examples, and How to Recognize ThemBrazilian Portuguese Slang for Learners: Understand Real Chats, Shows and SongsBrazilian Portuguese Love Phrases: What to Say, What They Mean, and What to Avoid
All expressions A–Z
C
- Cara — Face; guy or dude.
J
- Jeitinho brasileiro — A Brazilian way of finding a workaround.
K
- Kkkk / rs — Typed laughter: “haha,” “lol,” or a small chuckle.
L
- Legal — Cool, nice, or good.
N
- Nossa — Wow; oh my God; jeez.
O
- Obrigado / obrigada — Thank you.
P
- Parabéns — Congratulations; happy birthday.
S
- Sim / não — Yes / no; not.
T
- Tudo bem / tudo bom — How are you? / All good.
V
- Valeu / vlw — Thanks; cheers; informal bye.