What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the definite article o (the) and the superlative adjective melhor (better/best).
Which one should you use?
The word melhor alone can mean both "better" and "the best". Adding the definite article distinguishes it as "the best."
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Northeast Brazil, you might hear Arretado to mean something is excellent or awesome. In Brazil, Massa is a popular slang term to describe something as cool or great, while Bacana is a versatile term used across many Portuguese-speaking countries to express that something is nice or cool. Additionally, the English loanword "Top" is used as a slang expression.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use a melhor for feminine singular, os melhores for masculine plural and as melhores for feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɔ meˈʎɔʁ/
Did you know?
- The expression arretado is a regional powerhouse in Northeast Brazil, transforming a word originally meaning 'angry' into a term for the absolute best.
- The term bacana is used across different Portuguese-speaking countries to mean 'cool' or 'the best', and it is believed to have origins in the word 'bacanal', relating to ancient Roman festivities.
- The word melhor descends from the Proto-Indo-European root *mel-, which originally meant 'strong' or 'big' rather than 'good'.
Examples in context
- Tom é o melhor.Tom is the best.This sentence shows how to say Tom is the best using o melhor.Tatoeba #4415469 by alexmarcelo, translation #2273541 by CK
- Eu sou o melhor.I am the best.This sentence shows how to say I am the best using o melhor.Tatoeba #1255924 by alexmarcelo, translation #409664 by CN
- Você é o melhor.You're the best.This sentence shows how to say You're the best using o melhor.Tatoeba #2453484 by alexmarcelo, translation #1752568 by donkirkby
- É o melhorIt's the best
- Este é o melhor restauranteThis is the best restaurant
- Este é o site topThis is the best website
- A festa foi a melhorThe party was the best
- O melhor vinhoThe best wine
- Este é o melhor produto e é excelente!This is the best product and it's excellent!
- 253 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe and Beatriz are discussing which restaurant to visit.
- FelipeQual é o melhor restaurante daqui?Which is the best restaurant around here?
- BeatrizO restaurante italiano é o melhor.The Italian restaurant is the best.
- FelipeBeatriz, você tem certeza?Beatriz, are you sure?
- BeatrizSim, Felipe, é o melhor.Yes, Felipe, it is the best.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (o, melhor) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries melhor, o, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
