Greetings In Portuguese You Must Know – #1 Epic Guide

Are you wondering what the best greetings in Portuguese are? Part of learning Portuguese is to know at least a few greeting phrases and words. The following vocabulary will be helpful whenever you meet new native speakers or when you need to say goodbye. 

It is essential to greet people correctly to make an excellent first impression and to maintain good manners at the same time. Portuguese people are very traditional and like to show and receive respect from others. 

So, if you soak up these words and phrases, you will be ready to talk to them in their native language and express your excellent manners.

Best Greetings In Portuguese

Portuguese people are generally conservative and do not like significant changes or innovations. The Catholic Church and Christian values strongly influenced their culture and traditions. Therefore, good manners in dealing with Portuguese people are essential.

Learning how to say hello in Portuguese, good morning, good evening, and some other essential Portuguese greetings can open many doors if you visit Portugal.

Here are the best greetings in the Portuguese language:

1. Olá– Hello
2. Bom dia – Good morning (It literally translates to “Good day”)
3. Boa tarde – Good afternoon
4. Bem-vindo – Welcome
5. Tudo bem? – How are you (It translates to “Everything well?”)
6. Boa noite – Good night
7. Até logo –See you later or Until later (informal situations)
8. Até amanhã – See you tomorrow (It literally means “Until tomorrow”)
9. Tem passado bem? – Have you been well?
10. Adeus – Goodbye
11. Como está? – How are you?
12. Como vai?– How do you do? (It translates to “How do you go?)
13. Oi! – Hi
14. Alô –Hello
15. Tchau – Goodbye
16. Xau  – Bye
17. E aí? – What’s up?
18. Abraço – Hug
19. Como você está? –How are you?
20. Como vai você? – How are you doing?
21. Querido(a) – Dear…
22. Beijinho – The literal translation is “little kisses.”
23. Como estás? – How are you?
24. Como vais? – How are you doing?
25. Até mais – Until later
26. Como foi o seu dia? – How was your day?
27. Qual é o seu nome? – What is your name?
28. Como é que é? – How is it? ( mainly used in Brazilian Portuguese and universally informal)

Those are the most common Portuguese greetings. But, you might have to know how to say the correct greetings not only when you speak Portuguese and if you write to someone.

Greetings When Writing A Letter Or Card

You should learn some basic Portuguese greetings if you want to write a postcard, email, or letter. Here are some of the essential words and sentences to use:

Here are some Portuguese greetings when writing:

• Cumprimentos – Compliments
• Estimado(a)… – Dear…
• Caro(a)… – Dear..
• Prezado(a) Sr(a)… – Dear… (extremely formal situations)
• Atenciosamente – Yours sincerely
• Cordialmente – Cordially

Portuguese Etiquette When Greeting Other People

It is a standard greeting in a formal situation to shake hands first. You do this usually when you have not met the person before or if the persons you are meeting are not family members or close friends.

In most social situations, the handshaking is done by eye contact and the appropriate Portuguese greetings. The handshake is also done upon leaving. Informally, friends and family members embrace or pat one another on the back (men) or kiss both cheeks (women).

Women shake hands if they do not know each other or in very informal situations. Portuguese people are direct in communicating with others; they tend to tell the truth, even if they are polite.

First names are used to address friends, teenagers, and family members. Adults should be addressed by their last name or the title combined with their first name. You have to listen carefully and understand how people prefer to be called.

Keep in mind that Portuguese will be formal in public and will get into a more direct communication when alone or in certain moments when there is more privacy. Therefore, it is good to follow the same example and be polite during formal situations and speak your heart in private times.

Also, remember that Portuguese people can speak fast and, at times, loudly. It is part of their culture and common to see. It doesn’t mean they are upset or angry with you.

Related Words And Phrases Used When Greeting People

When meeting new people, it is common to go beyond the initial “good morning,” and maybe you are asked what your name is and where you come from. For this reason, it is beneficial to learn some basic Portuguese phrases to use in those instances:

• De onde você é? – Where are you from?
• Sou de … – I am from
• Por favor – please or excuse me
• De nada – You’re welcome
• Qual é o seu nome – What is your name
• Meu nome é – My name is
• Em que trabalha – What is your work?
• Onde você mora – Where do you live?

Would you like to learn more about the Portuguese language? Then you can read Useful Guide To 50+Basic Portuguese Words.

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