Bom dia
Portugal
In Portugal "good morning" is Bom dia. It is used from the early morning until lunch, and then people switch to Boa tarde. It is also called Bons dias.
Meaning: morning greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Bom dia | Portugal |
| Bons dias | less common |
You say Bom dia to neighbors, shop staff and colleagues. In Portugal it is polite to greet people when entering a shop or a café.
Which one should you use?
Bom dia is the same in Brazil. The difference is in the sound, because European Portuguese swallows more vowels and dia is shorter.
How does it change in a sentence?
Bom dia is singular. The plural bons dias is old fashioned but still heard from older speakers.
Did you know?
- A galão is a tall milky coffee served in a glass, and it is a typical Portuguese breakfast drink.
Examples in context
- Bom dia, como está?Good morning, how are you?
- Bom dia a todos!Good morning, everyone!
- Bom dia, um galão, por favor.Good morning, a milky coffee, please.
Example conversation
Joaquim greets the café owner Rosa on his way to work in Lisbon.
- JoaquimBom dia, dona Rosa.Good morning, Rosa.
- RosaBom dia, Joaquim! O costume?Good morning, Joaquim! The usual?
- JoaquimSim, por favor.Yes, please.
