Oi
everyday, Brazil
In Brazil the most common greeting is Oi. Olá is a little more formal, and Bom dia, Boa tarde and Boa noite depend on the time of day.
Meaning: greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Oi | everyday, Brazil |
| Olá | polite |
| Bom dia | morning |
| Boa tarde | afternoon |
Oi works for almost everyone, from friends to shop staff. In writing to a company or a stranger, Olá or the time-of-day greeting looks more careful.
Which one should you use?
Friends often add E aí? or Tudo bem? after the greeting. A cheek kiss or a hug is a normal part of greeting someone, depending on the region.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Rio and São Paulo Oi is everywhere. In Portugal people lean toward Olá or Viva instead.
Did you know?
- The Brazilian oi is also what you say when you answer a call from a friend, as in Oi, fala!
Examples in context
- Oi, tudo bem?Hi, how are you?
- Olá, bom dia! Em que posso ajudar?Hello, good morning! How can I help?
- Boa tarde, senhor.Good afternoon, sir.
Example conversation
Luiza walks into a bakery in Campinas and greets the owner, Seu Mário.
- LuizaOi, Seu Mário!Hi, Mr. Mário!
- Seu MárioOi, Luiza. Bom dia! Tudo bem?Hi, Luiza. Good morning! How are you?
- LuizaTudo bem. Me vê dois pães, por favor.Fine. Give me two rolls, please.
