tudo bem
/ˈtu.du ˈbẽj̃/
The Portuguese word for okay is tudo bem.
Tudo bem is used as an interjection to express agreement or acceptance, functioning similarly to the English phrases 'it's okay' or 'all right'.
Meaning: OK (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tudo bem literally translates to 'everything well'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtu.du ˈbẽj̃/. It has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
When do people say it?
When someone asks you Tudo bem? to mean 'How are you?', it is standard to respond with Tudo bem to indicate that you are doing well. In Brazil, a popular informal slang term to express that something is 'alright' or 'great' is Beleza.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, if you want to sound more casual when saying 'okay', you can substitute tudo bem with beleza, which literally translates to 'beauty'.
- The word bem in tudo bem comes from the Latin bene, which is also the root of English words like 'benefit' and 'benevolent'.
- When responding to Tudo bem?, saying Tudo bem is so standard that it often functions as a ritual greeting rather than a real inquiry into your well-being.
Examples in context
- Tudo bem se você for.It's okay to go.This example shows how to use tudo bem to express permission.Tatoeba #519010 by brauliobezerra, translation #518554 by CK
- Tudo bem, tente outra vez.Okay, try again.This example shows how to use tudo bem to express agreement.Tatoeba #2469194 by alexmarcelo, translation #2465964 by boston2390
- Tudo bem se eu descansar um pouco?Is it okay if I take a break?This example shows how to use tudo bem when asking for permission.Tatoeba #421848 by brauliobezerra, translation #419686 by CM
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Beatriz and Gabriel are agreeing on a meeting time.
- BeatrizPodemos nos encontrar às oito?Can we meet at eight?
- GabrielTudo bem, eu estarei lá.Okay, I will be there.
- BeatrizÓtimo, vejo você amanhã então.Great, I'll see you tomorrow then.
- GabrielCombinado!Agreed!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tudo bem, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bem, tudo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
