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.
Reactions
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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.
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.
ReactionsCaraCara literally means “face,” and Brazilians also use it informally for “a guy” or to address someone as “dude/man.” Tone matters: cara can sound friendly, amazed, irritated, or confrontational depending on how it is said.
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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.