What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of olá (hello), a (to) and todos (all/everyone).
Which one should you use?
todos is the masculine plural form, which is used as the grammatically neutral way to address a mixed-gender group. If you are addressing a group consisting exclusively of women, use olá a todas instead.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
olá a todos is a standard, polite and formal greeting suitable for professional settings and social gatherings. For more casual situations, such as among friends or in relaxed environments, you can use the informal oi pessoal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the informal greeting E aí, galera? (what's up, guys?) is common, especially among younger people. Additionally, the informal phrase Olá, todo mundo! (hello, everybody!) is also used in Brazil.
How do you pronounce it?
It has four syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
When do people say it?
In formal settings, speakers often refine their greeting by including the time of day. For example, use Bom dia a todos in the morning, Boa tarde a todos in the afternoon or early evening and Boa noite a todos in the evening or at night.
Did you know?
- The preposition a in this phrase is a descendant of the Phoenician letter 'aleph', which originally represented an ox.
- While olá a todos is standard, Brazilians often prefer Olá, todo mundo!, which literally translates to 'hello, all the world'.
- In very informal Brazilian Portuguese, you might hear E aí?, which functions as a greeting but literally asks 'And there?'
Examples in context
- Olá a todos!Hello everyone!This example shows how to use the phrase olá a todos.Tatoeba #1331391 by alexmarcelo, translation #854117 by piksea
- Olá a todos, como vocês estão?Hello everyone, how are you all?
- Olá a todos, prazer em conhecê-los.Hello everyone, nice to meet you.
Example conversation
Juliana starts a video call with Gabriel and their colleagues.
- JulianaOlá a todos! Podem me ouvir?Hello everyone! Can you hear me?
- GabrielSim, Juliana. Estamos todos aqui.Yes, Juliana. We are all here.
- JulianaÓtimo, vamos começar a conversa.Great, let's start the conversation.
- GabrielEstou pronto para começar, Gabriel.I am ready to start, Gabriel.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (olá, a, todos) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, olá, todos, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
