What does it mean word for word?
The word obrigado literally means 'obligated' or 'indebted', which implies that you are indebted to the person for their kindness.
Which one should you use?
The phrase obrigado, meu amigo specifically addresses a male friend. If you are addressing a female friend, you should use obrigado, minha amiga.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The expression Valeu, mano is a widely used expression in informal contexts in Brazil.
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms of this phrase must change to match the gender of both the speaker and the person being addressed. If the speaker is female, the word for 'thank you' must change to the feminine form obrigada. If the friend being addressed is female, the possessive pronoun and noun must change to the feminine minha amiga.
How do you pronounce it?
/o.bɾiˈɡa.du mew aˈmi.ɡu/
Did you know?
- The term mano used in Valeu, mano is a shortened version of irmão, meaning 'brother'. It transforms a thank you into an acknowledgement of a sibling-like bond.
- In Brazil, the informal substitute Valeu is used so frequently that it often replaces obrigado entirely in casual settings. It is derived from the verb valer, suggesting the gesture 'had value'.
- In Brazil, you might hear people use amigo to address total strangers, such as a taxi driver or a shopkeeper, to create an instant sense of warmth.
Examples in context
- Obrigado, meu amigo, pela ajuda.Thank you, my friend, for the help.
- Obrigado, meu amigo, pelo presente.Thank you, my friend, for the gift.
- Você é ótimo. Obrigado, meu amigo.You are great. Thank you, my friend.
Example conversation
Lucas is thanking Beatriz for helping him with a project.
- LucasObrigado, meu amigo, por tudo.Thank you, my friend, for everything.
- BeatrizDe nada, Lucas! Foi um prazer.You're welcome, Lucas! It was a pleasure.
- LucasEu realmente precisava desse apoio.I really needed this support.
- BeatrizSempre que precisar, estou aqui.Whenever you need, I am here.
