Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| atenciosamente | /a.tẽ.siˌɔ.zaˈmẽ.t͡ʃi/ (Brazil) /a.tẽˌsjɔ.zaˈmẽ.t͡ʃi/ (Brazil) |
| com os melhores cumprimentos |
The phrases are used as polite closings for letters and emails. Atenciosamente is a standard formal closing equivalent to the English "sincerely" or "yours sincerely". Com os melhores cumprimentos is used in formal correspondence or at the end of a business email or letter to mean "with the best regards".
What does it mean word for word?
Atenciosamente is an adverb derived from the adjective atencioso, meaning attentive or thoughtful.
Which one should you use?
While atenciosamente is the most common professional closing, com os melhores cumprimentos is a more elaborate and formal alternative.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Atenciosamente and com os melhores cumprimentos are both formal. For casual correspondence with friends, you should use Um Abraço (a hug) or Abraços (hugs) to express affection and camaraderie. Do not use atenciosamente in casual situations with friends, as it is strictly formal.
How does it change in a sentence?
Atenciosamente is an adverb.
How do you pronounce it?
/a.tẽ.siˌɔ.zaˈmẽ.tʃi/. It has 7 syllables, with the stress on the 6th syllable.
Did you know?
- Portuguese has a specific 'hierarchy of closings'. Using atenciosamente to a superior is standard, but using it to a close colleague can feel like you are suddenly distancing yourself or are angry.
- The suffix '-mente' in atenciosamente is a direct descendant of the Latin word 'mente', which means 'mind'.
- The word cumprimentos in com os melhores cumprimentos comes from the verb cumprir, which means 'to fulfill' or 'to complete'. This implies that greeting someone is a social duty being fulfilled.
Examples in context
- Prezado Senhor Silva, Atenciosamente, [Your Name]Dear Mr. Silva, Sincerely, [Your Name]
- Obrigado por ajudar-me com aquele projeto. Um abraço! [Your Name]Thank you for helping me with that project. Best regards! [Your Name]
- Atenciosamente,Best regards,
- Ele terminou o e-mail com atenciosamente.He finished the email with best regards.
Example conversation
Beatriz is helping Rodrigo write a formal email to a manager.
- BeatrizO e-mail está ótimo, Rodrigo.The email is great, Rodrigo.
- RodrigoComo eu devo encerrar o texto?How should I close the text?
- BeatrizUse a palavra atenciosamente antes do nome.Use the word 'best regards' before the name.
- RodrigoPerfeito, vou escrever assim agora.Perfect, I will write it like that now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “best regards” translations and entries atenciosamente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries atenciosamente, com, os, CC BY-SA 4.0.
