Oi, tudo bem?
everyday, Brazil
Brazilians say Oi, tudo bem? to mean "hi, how are you". It is the standard opener and nobody expects a long answer. It is also called Oi, como vai? and Oi, tudo bom?
Meaning: greeting with a question about well-being (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Oi, tudo bem? | everyday, Brazil |
| Oi, como vai? | neutral |
| Oi, tudo bom? | casual |
The reply is usually Tudo bem, e você? (good, and you?) or just Tudo bem. Oi, tudo bom? is a common variant with the same meaning.
Which one should you use?
Como vai? is slightly more traditional and can sound a touch formal. Tudo bem? is literally "all well?" and is used with almost everyone.
When do people say it?
Brazilian greetings come in quick pairs, so the question is part of saying hello, not a real request for a health report.
Did you know?
- A very short reply to Tudo bem? is Tudo!, often followed by e você?
Examples in context
- Oi, tudo bem?Hi, how are you?
- Oi, como vai você?Hi, how are you doing?
- Oi, tudo bom? Quanto tempo!Hi, how are you? Long time no see!
Example conversation
Sofia runs into her old classmate Leandro at a mall in Brasília.
- SofiaOi, Leandro, tudo bem?Hi, Leandro, how are you?
- LeandroTudo bem, Sofia! E você?Good, Sofia! And you?
- SofiaTudo ótimo. Quanto tempo!All great. Long time no see!
