Boa noite!
everyday, neutral
In Brazil Boa noite! is used both to say hello and to say goodbye in the evening. Once it gets dark you can use it with anyone. It is also called Tenha uma boa noite! and Boa noite, tudo bem?
Meaning: greeting or farewell in the evening (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Boa noite! | everyday, neutral |
| Tenha uma boa noite! | polite |
| Boa noite, tudo bem? | friendly |
Unlike English, where "good night" is mostly a farewell, Brazilians say Boa noite when they arrive too, for example when walking into a restaurant at 8 pm.
Which one should you use?
Before sunset people usually say Boa tarde. When going to bed the speaker often adds Durma bem (sleep well) to Boa noite.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Tenha uma boa noite! is a polite, slightly formal way to say goodbye, common in shops and customer service.
Did you know?
- Brazilian TV news programs in the evening usually open with Boa noite, the same word you would use to greet a neighbor.
Examples in context
- Boa noite, tudo bem?Good evening, how are you?
- Tenha uma boa noite!Have a good night!
- Boa noite, gente!Good evening, folks!
Example conversation
Bruno arrives at a restaurant in Porto Alegre and is welcomed by the waiter Henrique.
- BrunoBoa noite! Uma mesa para dois, por favor.Good evening! A table for two, please.
- HenriqueBoa noite! Por aqui.Good evening! This way.
- BrunoObrigado.Thank you.
