Olá
neutral, Portugal
In Portugal people say Olá for hello, or the time greetings Bom dia, Boa tarde and Boa noite. Friends often say Viva! It is also called Viva and Estou?
Meaning: greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Olá | neutral, Portugal |
| Bom dia | polite, morning |
| Viva | casual, Portugal |
| Estou? | phone, Portugal |
Olá fits almost any situation. In shops and offices people usually greet with the time of day.
Is it said differently in some regions?
When answering the phone, Portuguese speakers often say Estou? or Estou sim? Viva is also typical of Portugal.
How do you pronounce it?
Olá is stressed on the last syllable, o-LÁ.
Did you know?
- Viva literally means "long live" and is an old friendly greeting in Portugal.
Examples in context
- Olá, bom dia!Hello, good morning!
- Viva, como estás?Hello, how are you?
- Estou? Fala a Joana.Hello? This is Joana.
Example conversation
Inês meets her new neighbor Carlos on the stairs of their building in Faro.
- InêsBom dia! Olá, sou a Inês.Good morning! Hello, I am Inês.
- CarlosOlá, Inês. Muito prazer.Hello, Inês. Nice to meet you.
- InêsO prazer é meu.The pleasure is mine.
