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.
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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.
ThanksValeu / vlwBrazilians use valeu as a casual thanks, and often as a quick “cheers/bye” at the end of a friendly exchange.
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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.