Learn how to say hello and hi in portuguse. The first thing you will probably do once you arrive in Brazil is greet people. Learning to say hello and hi in Portuguese will help you make a good impression when meeting Brazilians. Or maybe your significant other wants to introduce you to their Brazilian family. You can surely make a good first impression by greeting your future in-laws in Portuguese.
Brazilian culture is known for its warmth and friendliness, and making a good impression from the start can set the tone for positive interactions. Whether you’re engaging with locals, attending social gatherings, or even just exploring the city, knowing how to greet people appropriately in Portuguese is essential. It not only shows respect but also helps you feel more integrated into the vibrant Brazilian community.
We have already learned how to say “thank you” and “nice to meet you” in Portuguese. Now let’s check how to say hello and hi in portuguse.
How to Say Hello/Hi in Portuguese
Oi
This is how to say hi in portuguese. This is the most common way to greet people. Although this lies on the more informal side of the scale, everyone uses it without a problem.
Olá
“Olá” is just another way to say “Oi”.
Alô
It is also a way of greeting people, but Brazilians will mostly use this word when answering the phone.
Fala! / Fala aí! / Fala tu.
These options are an informal way to greet your friends. Therefore, it is not a good idea to use these expressions to say hi to your boss, in-laws, or business contacts.
E aí?
“E aí” is also an informal way of greeting. It is a laidback option to say hello, especially when meeting a group of friends, significant other, classmates, or colleagues. “E aí” has the same meaning as “Sup?” in English.
Coé
Contraction of the expression “qual é.” It is a very informal way to greet people in Portuguese.
Opa!
Even though not a lot of people use this interjection to greet people, you might experience some older people using it as an informal way to say hi in Portuguese. A situation in which people might use this interjection is, for example, when driving through a friend and yelling “Opa!” without stopping for a conversation. Just a way to greet someone you know and keep going.
Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite
If you are looking for a more formal way to greet people in Portuguese, you can say “Good morning”, “Good afternoon”, or “Good evening”.
Meet & Greet Vocabulary in Portuguese
| Portuguese | English |
|---|---|
| Oi | Hi |
| Olá | Hello |
| Bom dia | Good morning |
| Boa tarde | Good afternoon |
| Boa noite | Good evening / Good night |
| Qual é o seu nome? | What’s your name? |
| Meu nome é… | My name is… |
| Prazer em te conhecer | Nice to meet you |
| Foi um prazer te conhecer | It was a pleasure to meet you |
| Como vai? / Tudo bem? | How are you? |
| Tchau | Bye |
| Até mais | See you later |
