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.
Texting and internet
View all
Learn Portuguese by using it.
New reading guides, useful Portuguese resources, and notes on learning Brazilian Portuguese — delivered occasionally.
More expressions
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.