abraços fortes
In Portuguese, 'big hugs' is translated as abraços fortes.
The phrase abraços fortes is used as a warm sign-off in both written correspondence and text messages to show affection to friends or family.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase translates literally to 'strong hugs' rather than 'big hugs'.
Which one should you use?
While abraços fortes provides an emphatic closing, simply saying abraços is a common and slightly more casual way to sign off a message.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more informal way to say 'big hug', you can use Abração. In a formal context, you might use the phrase Envio-lhe calorosos abraços to mean 'Sending you warm hugs'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun abraço is masculine, which means the adjective must match its gender and number. For example, the plural adjective fortes is used in abraços fortes, but if you want to use the singular form, you must change both the noun and the adjective to the singular: um abraço forte.
Did you know?
- In many Portuguese-speaking cultures, the phrase um abraço is often accompanied by a physical gesture of a pat on the back during a hug. This rhythmic patting is a common way to signal the end of the embrace between men.
- In Portuguese, abraço is derived from the verb abraçar, which comes from braço meaning 'arm'. This makes the word literally mean 'to encompass with the arms'.
- If you are writing to someone in Portugal, you might find people using beijinhos (little kisses) more frequently in casual messages than abraços fortes. In Brazil, the use of abraços can feel slightly more neutral or even slightly more formal depending on the social circle.
Examples in context
- Parabéns pela sua promoção! Envio-lhe calorosos abraços.Congratulations on your promotion! Sending you warm hugs.
- Estou com saudades! Um abração apertado para você.I miss you! A tight big hug for you.
- Mande abraços fortes para sua família.Send big hugs to your family.
- Espero te ver logo. Abraços fortes!I hope to see you soon. Big hugs!
- Com carinho e abraços fortes, Maria.With love and big hugs, Maria.
Example conversation
Lucas and Beatriz are exchanging text messages after a long time.
- LucasOi Beatriz, como você está?Hi Beatriz, how are you?
- BeatrizEstou bem, Lucas! E você?I'm fine, Lucas! And you?
- LucasTudo ótimo por aqui. Abraços fortes!Everything is great here. Big hugs!
- BeatrizBeijos e abraços fortes para você.Kisses and big hugs to you.
