Bem-vindo / bem-vinda
beng-VEEN-doo / beng-VEEN-dah
How to say itPart of: Thanks
“Welcome.”
Bem-vindo is “welcome” said to someone arriving, literally “well come”. It agrees with the person welcomed: bem-vindo to a man, bem-vinda to a woman, bem-vindos to a group, bem-vindas to a group of women. Usually with seja or sejam (“be”): seja bem-vinda! It is never “you’re welcome” after thanks; that is de nada.
Looking for all the ways to say thank you? Thank you in Portuguese: the guide
EverydayAll Brazilalso: bem vindo, bem-vindos, bem-vindasReply: Obrigado / obrigada.
How Brazilians use it
“Seja bem-vinda ao Brasil!”
“Welcome to Brazil!”
To a woman arriving.
“Sejam bem-vindos, pessoal!”
“Welcome, everyone!”
To a group: a host, a teacher, a video.
“Bem-vindo de volta!”
“Welcome back!”
After a trip or a long absence.
“Seja bem-vindo à nossa casa.”
“Welcome to our home.”
To a man at the door.
How to reply
- Obrigado / obrigada.The reply to a welcome is thanks.
Similar expressions
Brazil vs Portugal
The same in Portugal, where the hyphen is kept more carefully; signs read bem-vindo or bem-vindos as in Brazil.
Common mistakes
- Don’t say bem-vindo for “you’re welcome” after obrigado: that is de nada or imagina.
- Don’t forget the agreement: bem-vinda to a woman, bem-vindos to a group.
- Don’t drop the hyphen in careful writing: bem-vindo, though bem vindo is everywhere online.
Frequently asked questions
What does bem-vindo mean?
Welcome, said to someone arriving: seja bem-vindo! Literally “well come”. It is a greeting, not the reply to thank you.
Is it bem-vindo or bem-vinda?
It agrees with the person you welcome: bem-vindo to a man, bem-vinda to a woman, bem-vindos to a group, bem-vindas to a group of women.
How do you say welcome to a group in Portuguese?
Sejam bem-vindos! (all men, or mixed) or sejam bem-vindas! (all women). Sejam is “be”, in the plural.
Does bem-vindo mean you’re welcome?
No. After obrigado, Brazilians say de nada or imagina. Bem-vindo only welcomes someone who arrives.