What does it mean word for word?
The word melhoras is the plural form of melhora, which literally means 'improvements'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
melhoras is a versatile term suitable for both casual and polite social settings. For more formal situations, you can use the full phrase Desejo-lhe uma rápida recuperação (I wish you a speedy recovery) or Espero que melhore em breve (I hope you get better soon). In informal settings, you might say Espero que fiques bom logo (I hope you get better soon).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some contexts, particularly in Portugal, you might hear as melhoras used in the same way to mean 'get well'.
How does it change in a sentence?
While melhoras is the standard way to wish someone well, the singular form melhora refers to the noun 'improvement' itself.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of melhoras is /meˈʎɔ.ɾɐs/. It has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, the word melhoras is often paired with a kiss on the cheek or a hug, even if the person is sick, to convey warmth and empathy.
- The word melhor in melhoras is a cognate of the English word 'better', both descending from the Latin 'melior'.
- In Portuguese, you do not wish someone 'health', but rather 'improvements' to their current state. Saying melhoras focuses on the progress of recovery rather than the state of being well.
Examples in context
- Melhoras!Get well!This is a direct way to say 'Get well!' using melhoras.Tatoeba #11498506 by carlosalberto, translation #5733777 by Tov_Fatykhov
- Melhoras. Cuide-se.Get well soon. Take care.This example shows how to combine melhoras with a caring sentiment like 'Take care'.Tatoeba #13890490 by carlosalberto, translation #13890489 by carlosalberto
- Desejo-lhe uma rápida recuperação. Ele vai ficar bem logo.I wish him a speedy recovery. He'll be fine soon.
- Desejo melhoras para você.I wish you a speedy recovery.
Example conversation
Gabriel is visiting Mariana who is sick at home.
- GabrielSinto muito que você esteja doente.I'm sorry that you are sick.
- MarianaObrigada, Gabriel. Estou me sentindo mal.Thank you, Gabriel. I'm feeling unwell.
- GabrielMelhoras! Espero que você se recupere logo.Get well! I hope you recover soon.
- MarianaMuito obrigada pelo carinho.Thank you so much for the kindness.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry melhoras, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
