Olá!
neutral
The simplest greeting in Brazil is Oi!, and Olá! is slightly more formal. Saudações! is the word for "greetings" in a formal or written setting.
Meaning: words of welcome or salutation (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Olá! | neutral |
| Saudações! | formal, written |
| Oi! | casual, Brazil |
Saudações opens speeches, formal emails and letters. In daily life Brazilians prefer Oi, Olá or the time-of-day greetings Bom dia, Boa tarde and Boa noite.
Which one should you use?
Cumprimentos also means "greetings" and often closes a letter, like "regards". On the street people use E aí? with friends.
When do people say it?
In person a Brazilian greeting often includes a handshake between men or one or two kisses on the cheek, with the number varying by region.
Did you know?
- Brazilian email greetings sometimes use Prezados (dear) in formal business writing, a style that comes from Portuguese letter tradition.
Examples in context
- Olá, seja bem-vindo!Hello, welcome!
- Saudações a todos os presentes.Greetings to everyone present.
- Oi, pessoal!Hi, everybody!
Example conversation
Professor Carlos opens a talk in front of students such as Marta in Brasília.
- CarlosSaudações a todos!Greetings to all!
- MartaOlá, professor!Hello, professor!
- CarlosVamos começar a aula.Let us begin the class.
