Olá
everyday, Portugal
In Portugal the standard hello is Olá. Time-of-day greetings such as Bom dia and Boa tarde are very common, and Viva! is a friendly informal greeting.
Meaning: greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Olá | everyday, Portugal |
| Bom dia | morning |
| Viva! | casual, Portugal |
| Boa tarde | afternoon |
Portuguese people tend to greet with the time of day in shops, offices and when entering a room. Friends use Olá or Viva, often followed by Tudo bem?
Which one should you use?
Oi is understood and used by some younger speakers, but Olá is the one that sounds natural. Viva! can be heard on the street between friends.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil Oi is the main greeting. In Portugal it is rarer.
Did you know?
- The greeting Viva! comes from the verb viver, to live, and means something like "long live" in friendly use.
Examples in context
- Olá, boa tarde!Hello, good afternoon!
- Viva, tudo bem?Hi, how are you?
- Bom dia, como está?Good morning, how are you?
Example conversation
Teresa enters a pastry shop in Lisbon and greets the attendant, Sr. Manuel.
- TeresaBom dia, Sr. Manuel!Good morning, Mr. Manuel!
- Sr. ManuelOlá, Teresa! Tudo bem?Hello, Teresa! How are you?
- TeresaTudo bem. Queria dois pastéis de nata.Fine. I would like two custard tarts.
