Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| obrigado | /o.bɾiˈɡa.du/ (Brazil) /ɔ.bɾiˈɡa.du/ (Portugal) |
|
| obrigada | /o.bɾiˈɡa.dɐ/ (Brazil) /ɔ.bɾiˈɡa.dɐ/ (Portugal) |
|
| valeu | /vaˈlew/ (Brazil) /vɐˈlew/ (Portugal) |
Brazil, informal |
The most common way to express gratitude is by using the forms obrigado or obrigada. In more formal settings, you can say Agradeço-lhe, which translates to 'I appreciate it'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word obrigado literally means 'obliged' or 'bound'.
Which one should you use?
While obrigado and obrigada are the standard ways to say thank you, valeu serves as a casual, slangy alternative. In informal contexts, the feminine form obrigada is often shortened to brigada.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Obrigado and obrigada are standard, while valeu is an informal and casual way to say 'thanks'. In Portugal, you may also hear the affectionate and playful variation obrigadinha. The form Agradeço-lhe is used for more formal situations.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term valeu is a popular casual expression characteristic of Brazil. In Brazil, Muito obrigada is a common way to say 'thank you very much'. In Portugal, the informal variation obrigadinha is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form you use must agree with your own gender: a male speaker must use the masculine form obrigado, and a female speaker must use the feminine form obrigada.
How do you pronounce it?
/o.bɾiˈɡa.du/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use obrigado regardless of their own gender. However, you must choose the form that matches your own gender.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, it is common to hear obrigado used sarcastically to express annoyance, similar to how an English speaker might say 'thanks a lot' when something goes wrong.
- The use of valeu is so common in Brazil that it can sometimes function as a way to say both 'thanks' and 'goodbye' in a single casual word. It acts as a social closer in many informal street interactions.
- Unlike many other Romance languages, the choice between obrigado and obrigada depends entirely on the gender of the speaker, not the person being thanked.
Examples in context
- Eu vou bem, obrigado.I am fine, thank you.This example shows how to use obrigado to say you are fine.Tatoeba #1255934 by alexmarcelo, translation #926934 by zvaigzne
- Bem, obrigado. E você?Well thank you. And you?This sentence demonstrates using obrigado in a brief exchange.Tatoeba #1571528 by alexmarcelo, translation #8196754 by josivangoncalves
- Obrigado a todo mundo.Thank you very much, everyone.This sentence is useful for expressing gratitude to a group using obrigado.Tatoeba #2100065 by MarlonX19, translation #2099711 by LanguageExpert
- Obrigada pela sua assistência.Thank you for your assistance.
- Agradeço-lhe pela gentileza.I appreciate your kindness.
- Valeu mesmo, amiga!Thanks a lot, friend!
- 405 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas gives Camila a book she wanted.
- CamilaObrigado pelo livro, Lucas!Thank you for the book, Lucas!
- LucasDe nada, Camila.You're welcome, Camila.
- CamilaEu realmente queria ler este.I really wanted to read this one.
- LucasQue bom que você gostou.I'm glad you like it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thank you” translations and entries obrigado, obrigada, valeu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
