abraços
In Portuguese, abraços is the phrase for "hugs".
abraços is used as a friendly closing at the end of a letter or message to show affection. It is very common to pair it with beijos (kisses) when closing a message to friends or family.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun abraço is derived from the verb abraçar, which means "to embrace" or "to hug".
Which one should you use?
You may also use the singular um abraço (a hug) as a closing in a slightly more formal or singular-focused context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazilian Portuguese, the word cheiro is commonly used as an informal term for a hug.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form um abraço is often used as a closing in a slightly more formal or singular-focused context than the plural abraços.
Did you know?
- Depending on the region in Brazil, um cheiro (a smell) is not just a synonym for a hug, but specifically refers to the act of nudging one's nose against another's cheek.
- The word abraço shares a linguistic root with braço (arm), literally framing the act as 'using the arms' to envelop someone.
- The word abraço is often used by Brazilian men as a standard, non-romantic way to sign off a professional or semi-formal email to a colleague.
Examples in context
- Eu preciso de abraços.I need hugs.This sentence is useful for showing the use of abraços as a noun.Tatoeba #4278544 by Ricardo14, translation #3028447 by shekitten
- Abraços!Hugs!This sentence shows how to use abraços as a standalone closing.Tatoeba #4278547 by Ricardo14, translation #4278546 by Ricardo14
- Beijos e abraços.Hugs and kisses.This sentence shows how to pair abraços with another closing.Tatoeba #11394430 by MrJuice, translation #10713014 by vxern
- Dê-me um abraço!Give me a hug!
- Abração, meu amigo!Big hug, my friend!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mariana is finishing an email to her friend Rodrigo.
- MarianaVou encerrar o e-mail agora.I'm going to end the email now.
- RodrigoO que você vai escrever no final?What are you going to write at the end?
- MarianaVou escrever apenas abraços, Rodrigo.I'm just going to write hugs, Rodrigo.
- RodrigoCombinado, eu espero a mensagem!Agreed, I'll wait for the message!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
