obrigado
masculine, Brazil
In Brazil a man says obrigado and a woman says obrigada for "thank you". The casual valeu is very common among friends.
Meaning: expression of gratitude (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| obrigado | masculine, Brazil |
| Obrigada | feminine, Brazil |
| Valeu | casual, Brazil |
Which one should you use?
Valeu is relaxed and fits friends and peers. With elders or at work stick to obrigado or obrigada.
How does it change in a sentence?
The ending matches the speaker, not the person you thank. A woman always says obrigada.
Did you know?
- The reply de nada literally means "of nothing" and is the usual answer to thanks.
Examples in context
- Obrigado pela ajuda.Thank you for the help. (man speaking)
- Obrigada, foi um prazer.Thank you, it was a pleasure. (woman speaking)
- Valeu, amigo!Thanks, friend!
Example conversation
Helena thanks a stranger, Márcio, who helps her with a heavy bag on a bus in Manaus.
- MárcioPosso ajudar com a mala?May I help with the bag?
- HelenaPode, obrigada!Please do, thank you!
- MárcioDe nada.You are welcome.
