how to say thanks in portuguese

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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18-01-2025

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Knowing how to express gratitude is crucial when traveling or interacting with Portuguese speakers. This comprehensive guide will teach you various ways to say "thank you" in Portuguese, from formal to informal, and even some regional variations. Mastering these phrases will enhance your interactions and leave a positive impression.

Saying "Thank You" in European Portuguese

European Portuguese, spoken in Portugal and other parts of the world, offers several ways to express gratitude, depending on the context:

The Standard "Thank You": Obrigado and Obrigada

• Obrigado: This is the standard way for men to say "thank you" in European Portuguese.
• Obrigada: Women use this form.

These are the most common and versatile options for expressing thanks in most situations. They're suitable for both formal and informal settings.

More Formal Expressions of Gratitude

For more formal situations, such as thanking a professor or a business contact, you can use:

• Muito obrigado/Obrigada: This translates to "Thank you very much" and adds a layer of politeness.

Informal Ways to Say Thank You

Among friends and family, you can use more informal expressions:

• Valeu: This is a very informal and casual way of saying "thanks," often used among young people. It's not appropriate for formal contexts.
• Obrigado/Obrigada mesmo: This translates to "Thanks a lot" or "Really thank you," expressing more intense gratitude.

Saying "Thank You" in Brazilian Portuguese

Brazilian Portuguese, spoken in Brazil, shares similarities with European Portuguese but has its own nuances:

The Standard "Thank You": Obrigado and Obrigada

The standard way to say "thank you" in Brazilian Portuguese is also obrigado for men and obrigada for women. These are used in most everyday situations.

More Formal and Informal Variations

Similar to European Portuguese, you can increase formality by adding muito (very) before obrigado/obrigada: Muito obrigado/obrigada. Informal options, like Valeu, are also used in Brazil.

Regional Variations

While obrigado/obrigada is universally understood, regional variations exist across Brazil. These variations are usually less common and might be specific to certain regions or social groups.

Responding to "Thank You" in Portuguese

Knowing how to respond to someone's gratitude is equally important:

• De nada: This is the most common response, equivalent to "You're welcome" or "It's nothing."
• Por nada: This is another common response, very similar in meaning to de nada.
• Não há de quê: A more formal response translating to "You're welcome" or "Don't mention it."

Beyond the Basics: Expressing Deeper Gratitude

For expressing deeper gratitude, consider these phrases:

• Sou muito grato/grata: This translates to "I am very grateful," expressing sincere appreciation.
• Aprecio muito a sua ajuda: This means "I really appreciate your help," showing gratitude for specific assistance.

Conclusion: Mastering Portuguese Gratitude

Learning different ways to say "thank you" in Portuguese enriches your interactions and demonstrates respect for the language and culture. Remember to choose the appropriate level of formality based on your relationship with the person you're addressing. Practice these phrases, and you'll soon be expressing your gratitude with fluency and confidence! Now go forth and express your obrigado or obrigada!