valeu, mano
/vaˈlew ˈmɐ̃.nu/word by word
The English phrase 'thanks bro' is translated into Portuguese as valeu, mano.
This phrase is an informal way to thank a male friend or a peer. In Brazilian Portuguese, the component valeu can function both as a way to say 'thanks', 'cheers' or even as a way to say 'okay' or 'got it' during casual conversation.
What does it mean word for word?
The term valeu is the third-person singular past tense of the verb valer (to be worth), and literally translates to 'it was worth it'.
Which one should you use?
While valeu, mano is used for a male friend, if you are thanking a female friend informally, you would change the second word to mina or mana, though valeu remains the same.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase valeu, mano is highly informal and should only be used among friends or peers of the same age or social standing.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, you might hear variations like Valeuzão, meu chapa or Valeu demais, irmãozinho to express 'Thanks a lot'. In Portugal, a common way to say 'Thanks, bro' is Obrigado, mano and Obrigadão, camarada can be used for 'Thanks a lot, comrade'.
How do you pronounce it?
/vaˈlew ˈmɐ̃.nu/
Did you know?
- The word valeu is so versatile in Brazilian Portuguese that it can be used to end a conversation entirely, functioning similarly to a casual 'I'm out' or 'peace'.
- Although mano is used to mean 'bro', it actually comes from the Spanish word for 'brother', which is hermano.
- The term mano is so common in São Paulo that it is often used as a generic filler word, similar to how English speakers use 'like' or 'dude'.
Examples in context
- Valeu, cara! Agora vou poder ler esse livro incrívelThanks, dude! Now I'll be able to read this amazing book
- Muito obrigado pela ajuda, mano. Não sei o que faria sem vocêThank you so much for your help, bro. I don't know what I would do without you
- Brigadão, parceiro. Essa parceria é essencial para alcançarmos o sucessoThanks a lot, buddy. This partnership is essential for us to achieve success
- Valeu, mano, pela carona!Thanks bro, for the ride!
- Valeu, mano, pela ajuda com o trabalho.Thanks bro, for the help with the work.
- Valeu, mano, você é nota dez!Thanks bro, you are awesome!
Example conversation
Lucas returns a borrowed pen to Camila's friend.
- LucasAqui está a caneta.Here is the pen.
- CamilaObrigada, Lucas!Thank you, Lucas!
- LucasValeu, mano, por ter guardado!Thanks, bro, for keeping it!
- CamilaDe nada!You're welcome!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (valeu, mano) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
