obrigada
/o.bɾiˈɡa.dɐ/
The Portuguese phrase for "thank you to a female" is obrigada.
obrigada is an expression of gratitude used specifically by a female speaker.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is the feminine form of the past participle of the verb obrigar (to oblige), so it literally means "obliged".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form obrigada must agree with the gender of the speaker, not the gender of the person being thanked.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /o.bɾiˈɡa.dɐ/.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, you may hear people say valeu instead of obrigada in casual settings. This word literally means 'it worked' or 'it was worth it' and ignores gender entirely.
- If a woman says muito obrigada, she is not just saying 'thank you very much'. The word muito stays masculine even though the speaker is female because it functions as an adverb here.
- While obrigada is standard, some speakers use grata in formal written correspondence. Unlike obrigada, which implies a debt of obligation, grata expresses a feeling of gratitude.
Examples in context
- Muito obrigada pelo presente.Thank you very much for the gift.
- Ela disse: "Muito obrigada!"She said, "Thank you very much!"
Example conversation
Beatriz is leaving a cafe after Rodrigo served her.
- BeatrizO café estava ótimo, obrigada.The coffee was great, thank you.
- RodrigoDe nada, Beatriz. Volte sempre!You're welcome, Beatriz. Come back anytime!
- BeatrizEu voltarei com certeza.I will definitely come back.
- RodrigoAté a próxima!Until next time!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry obrigada, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
