Oi, tudo bem?
everyday, Brazil
The everyday Brazilian way is Oi, tudo bem?, with a hello and a question in one breath. Olá, como vai? is more polite. It is also called Oi, como você está?
Meaning: greeting plus how are you (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Oi, tudo bem? | everyday, Brazil |
| Olá, como vai? | polite |
| Oi, como você está? | neutral |
You can answer Tudo bem? with Tudo bem, e você? The two parts are said together as a single greeting.
Which one should you use?
Oi, como você está? is closer to a real question about someone's state. Como vai? is the classic choice with older people or in formal settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
A common Brazilian reply to Tudo bem? is Tudo ótimo or Tudo certo. In Portugal the question is usually Como estás? or Está tudo bem?
Did you know?
- Brazilians often answer Tudo bem? with the same two words, so the exchange sounds like a pair of matching questions.
Examples in context
- Oi, tudo bem com você?Hi, are you doing well?
- Olá, como vai a senhora?Hello, how are you, madam?
- Oi, como você está hoje?Hi, how are you today?
Example conversation
Elisa meets her classmate Hugo at the university gate in Belém.
- ElisaOi, Hugo! Tudo bem?Hi, Hugo! How are you?
- HugoTudo bem, e você?Fine, and you?
- ElisaTudo certo. Vamos entrar?All good. Shall we go in?
