Which one should you use?
The specific form you choose depends on the gender and number of the people you are welcoming. Use bem-vindo ao Brasil for a male, bem-vinda ao Brasil for a female, bem-vindos ao Brasil for a group of men or a mixed-gender group and bem-vindas ao Brasil for a group consisting entirely of women.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word for 'welcome' must agree with the person or people being addressed. If you are welcoming a single woman, you must change the masculine bem-vindo to the feminine bem-vinda. If you are welcoming a group of people, use the masculine plural form bem-vindos. If you are welcoming a group consisting entirely of women, use the feminine plural form bem-vindas.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying bem-vindo a Brasil. English speakers often mistakenly omit the article and say 'a Brasil' instead of the correct ao Brasil.
Did you know?
- The name 'Brasil' is actually derived from the word brasa, meaning 'ember', because the wood used in early colonial trade was a deep red color similar to glowing coals.
- Before it was called 'Brasil', the territory was known to the Portuguese as 'Terra de Vera Cruz' or 'Santa Cruz'.
Examples in context
- Bem-vindo ao Brasil!Welcome to Brazil!
Example conversation
Felipe greets Mariana at the airport.
- FelipeOi, Mariana! Bem-vindo ao Brasil!Hi, Mariana! Welcome to Brazil!
- MarianaOi, Felipe! Muito obrigada.Hi, Felipe! Thank you very much.
- FelipeVocê está cansada da viagem?Are you tired from the trip?
- MarianaUm pouco, mas estou feliz em chegar.A little, but I am happy to arrive.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Brasil, bem-vindo, brasil, CC BY-SA 4.0.
