boa sexta-feira
/ˈbo(w).ɐ ˌses.tɐˈfe(j).ɾɐ/word by word
In Portuguese, happy Friday is said as boa sexta-feira.
boa sexta-feira is a greeting used to wish someone a pleasant Friday. It is commonly used as a greeting in emails, text messages or social media posts on Friday mornings.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "good Friday".
Which one should you use?
While boa sexta-feira is the standard phrase, you may encounter boa sexta! in casual conversation, where speakers often drop the -feira suffix. For a more informal tone, you can use Feliz sexta-feira!
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, Feliz sexta-feira! is used as an informal way to say "Happy Friday!"
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective boa (good) must be feminine to agree with the feminine noun sexta-feira (Friday).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈbo(w).ɐ ˌses.tɐˈfe(j).ɾɐ/. The stress is on the first syllable of the six total syllables.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, the phrase sextou is often used alongside boa sexta-feira. It is a slang verb meaning 'it has finally become Friday', signaling the start of the weekend party.
- Unlike English, which names days after Norse or Roman gods, Portuguese names its weekdays numerically. Sexta-feira is simply the sixth day of the cycle.
- The -feira part of sexta-feira is derived from the Latin word for 'holiday' or 'market day'. This reflects the historical importance of weekly markets in Portuguese culture.
Examples in context
- Obrigado/a, igualmente!Thank you, likewise!
- Valeu, você também!Thanks, you too!
- Boa sexta-feira para você!Have a good Friday!
- Boa sexta-feira, pessoal!Happy Friday, everyone!
- Desejo uma boa sexta-feira a todos.I wish a good Friday to everyone.
Example conversation
Camila and Felipe are leaving the office for the weekend.
- CamilaOi, Felipe! Boa sexta-feira!Hi, Felipe! Happy Friday!
- FelipeObrigado, Camila! Boa sexta-feira para você também.Thanks, Camila! Have a good Friday too.
- CamilaAproveite o seu final de semana.Enjoy your weekend.
- FelipeVocê também! Até segunda.You too! See you Monday.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (boa, sexta-feira) and can differ in connected speech.
