{"id":61191,"date":"2023-07-20T14:16:30","date_gmt":"2023-07-20T18:16:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/thank-you-in-portuguese\/"},"modified":"2025-02-23T22:31:00","modified_gmt":"2025-02-24T03:31:00","slug":"thank-you-in-portuguese","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/portuguese\/thank-you-in-portuguese\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Ways to Say “Thank You” in Portuguese in Every Situation"},"content":{"rendered":"

You’re in Rio de Janeiro, and your host offers you a traditional Brazilian dessert called brigadeiro<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“Obrigado”<\/em> (thank you), you say.<\/p>\n

But upon hearing you, he retracts the hot balls of sugary chocolate goodness and puts them in the fridge, leaving you empty-handed.<\/p>\n

Why!? Did you say something wrong, or was it your pronunciation<\/a>?\u00a0<\/p>\n

This post will be your handy guide to all the ways to correctly say thank you in Portuguese<\/strong>\u2014plus\u00a0how to say “you’re welcome.”<\/a><\/p>\n

That way, you’ll know how to express gratitude\u2014and always get your dessert.<\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc]<\/p>\n

How to Say “Thank You” in Portuguese<\/h2>\n

1. Obrigado<\/em> \/ Obrigada<\/em> \u2014 <\/em>Thank you<\/h3>\n

This is by far the most common and easiest way to say thank you in Portuguese.<\/strong> It translates to something like “much obliged” in English, but is used to say thank you.<\/p>\n

In Portuguese, this term is actually an adjective describing the speaker.<\/strong><\/p>\n

That means if the speaker is male, they’ll say obrigado<\/em>, and if the speaker is female, they’ll use obrigada <\/em>instead. As with other adjectives, it follows relevant plural and preposition rules<\/a> as well. You can see it in action in our YouTube video on “Friends”<\/a> where Chandler thanks Rachel for lunch:<\/p>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

If you’re just saying obrigado\/a<\/em> on its own, you’ll also need to be clear with your body language whether it’s a “yes, thank you” or a “no, thank you” kind of situation. This term depends heavily on context and non-verbal cues.<\/strong><\/p>\n

If someone is offering something to you, obrigado\u00a0<\/em>can be a polite refusal, especially when paired with body language that indicates a lack of desire.<\/p>\n

So, your Brazilian host must have taken your casual obrigado<\/em> above as a lack of interest in eating dessert. If you do<\/em> want some, you can say:<\/p>\n

Sim, obrigado<\/strong>. <\/em>(Yes, thank you.)<\/p>\n

Quero, obrigado<\/strong>. <\/em>(I want some, thank you.)<\/p>\n

Obrigado<\/strong>.<\/em> (Thank you.) \u2014 Say this while nodding your head or making another nonverbal cue that you really do want to enjoy the treat.<\/p>\n

2. N\u00e3o, obrigado<\/em> \u2014 No, thank you<\/h3>\n

While obrigado <\/em>alone needs more context, saying n\u00e3o, obrigado <\/em>(or n\u00e3o, obrigada<\/em> if you’re female), is always a safe way of politely turning down someone’s offer.<\/p>\n

To clearly tell your host you don’t feel like having any of that delicious Brazilian chocolate brigadeiro<\/em>, feel free to say, “N\u00e3o, obrigado”\u00a0<\/em>or simply “obrigado,”<\/em> while putting your hands up in front of you as if you couldn’t eat another bite.<\/p>\n

Algu\u00e9m me ofereceu mais comida, mas eu disse, ‘N\u00e3o, obrigado<\/strong>‘, porque j\u00e1 estou satisfeito. <\/em>(Someone offered me more food, but I said ‘No, thank you’ because I’m already full.)<\/p>\n

3. Muito obrigado<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 Thank you very much<\/h3>\n

This is the most basic way to add emphasis to your thanks. Again, use this version if you’re male, or switch to the -a\u00a0<\/em>ending if you’re female.<\/p>\n

Recebi um presente maravilhoso hoje. Muito obrigado<\/strong> pela sua generosidade!<\/em> (I received a wonderful gift today. Thank you very much for your generosity!)<\/p>\n

4. Valeu<\/em> \u2014 Thanks\/Cheers<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When the context is more casual, there are a plethora of ways that locals typically thank each other, such as the colloquial valeu<\/em>\u00a0that’s often used among younger people.<\/p>\n

This comes from the phrase valeu a pena<\/em>,\u00a0<\/em>meaning “it was worth the effort.”<\/p>\n

Valeu<\/strong> pela ajuda! N\u00e3o teria conseguido sem voc\u00ea.<\/em> (Thanks for the help! I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.)<\/p>\n

5. Brigado, viu?<\/em> \u2014 Thanks<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Viu?<\/em>\u00a0is a contraction of\u00a0ouviu?<\/em> \u2013 \u201cdid you hear?\u201d When you translate it directly, it seems a little strange, but it sounds very normal in Brazilian Portuguese. In fact, they use it a lot.<\/p>\n

That’s because in Brazil, ending your sentences with viu?<\/em> is a very common colloquialism to make you sound more friendly.<\/p>\n

Voc\u00ea me emprestou o livro que eu queria? Brigado, viu?<\/strong> Voc\u00ea \u00e9 muito gentil.<\/em> (Did you lend me the book I wanted? Thanks a lot, you know? You’re very kind.)<\/p>\n

6. Estou agradecido<\/em> \u2014 I’m thankful<\/h3>\n

This is a general term that is neither extremely formal nor extremely informal and, therefore, can be used in most contexts.<\/p>\n

Remember, the same gender, plural and preposition rules<\/a> apply here as with obrigado\u00a0<\/em>and you need to add the first person form of “I am” (estou<\/em>) to make it a complete phrase.<\/p>\n

Estou agradecido<\/strong> pela oportunidade que voc\u00ea me deu.<\/em>\u00a0(I am grateful for the opportunity you have given me.)<\/p>\n

7. Estou grato<\/em> \u2014 I’m grateful<\/h3>\n

Roughly translated as “I am obliged\/grateful,” you’ll follow the same guidelines about the -o\/-a<\/em> ending here and the same rule about needing the first person form of “I am,” which is estou<\/em>.<\/p>\n

This one is pretty formal and mostly reserved for such communications rather than everyday speech. Unless you’re writing formal emails or communications in the workplace, it’s best to opt for other “thank you” phrases on the list.<\/p>\n

Estou grato<\/strong> pela ajuda que voc\u00ea me ofereceu durante esse momento dif\u00edcil.<\/em> (I am grateful for the help you offered me during this difficult time.)<\/p>\n

8. Lhe agrade\u00e7o<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 I thank you<\/h3>\n

This phrase is handy when extreme formality is in order, and can be said as is no matter your gender.<\/p>\n

If you want to step it up even further, add por <\/em>(for) and then state the action you’re thankful for.<\/p>\n

Lhe agrade\u00e7o<\/strong> por me ajudar. <\/em>(I thank you for helping me.)<\/p>\n

9. Brigad\u00e3o<\/em> <\/strong>\u2014\u00a0 <\/strong><\/em>(A big) thank you<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The -\u00e3o<\/em>\u00a0ending turns a regular “thank you” into the augmentative version of obrigado<\/em>. This also can translate as “thanks a lot” or “thanks a bunch.”\u00a0<\/p>\n

Brigad\u00e3o<\/strong> pelo apoio incondicional.<\/em> (Thanks a lot for the unconditional support.)<\/p>\n

10. Brigadinho<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 (A small, cute) thank you<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The -inho \/ -inha<\/em>\u00a0ending makes this the diminutive version of obrigado.\u00a0<\/em>Depending on emphasis, it can mean “thank you very much” or simply add flair to your thanks!<\/p>\n

Recebi o seu presente surpresa. Brigadinho<\/strong>, voc\u00ea \u00e9 muito atencioso!<\/em> (I received your surprise gift. Thanks a bunch, you’re very thoughtful!)<\/p>\n

11. OBG<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\u2014 Thanks (in text slang)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This abbreviation of\u00a0obrigado<\/em><\/a> is often used by younger crowds, and almost exclusively used in text communication and on social media and messaging apps. Warning: your grandmother may be confused if you text this to her.<\/p>\n

Ei! S\u00f3 queria agradecer pela sua ajuda mais cedo. OBG!<\/strong><\/em> (Hey! Just wanted to say thanks for helping me out earlier. OBG!)<\/p>\n

12. Obrigado por… pelo<\/em> \u2014<\/em> Thanks for…<\/h3>\n

This will be followed by a verb or verb phrase, and is used to say thanks for a certain action.<\/p>\n

Obrigado por<\/strong> vir. <\/em>(Thank you for coming.)<\/p>\n

Obrigado por<\/strong> me ajudar. <\/em>(Thank you for helping me.)<\/p>\n

If you’re thankful for an object or idea, you’ll use o<\/em>brigado<\/em> + pelo\/a<\/em> + noun.<\/p>\n

Obrigado pelo<\/strong> brigadeiro.<\/em>\u00a0(Thank you for the brigadeiro<\/em>.)<\/p>\n

Obrigado pela<\/strong> ajuda. <\/em>(Thank you for the help.)<\/p>\n

13. Gra\u00e7as a…<\/em> \u2014 Thanks to…<\/h3>\n

When you want to direct your thanks to a certain individual or circumstance, you can say gra\u00e7as a<\/em>… meaning “thanks to…” It hints at the saying “by the grace of,” “by the favor of,” or “goodwill.” It can also mean “through.”<\/p>\n

Deve ser gra\u00e7as a<\/strong> voc\u00ea tamb\u00e9m.<\/em> (It must be thanks to you as well.)<\/p>\n

Ele conseguiu o ingresso gra\u00e7as a<\/strong>o seu amigo.<\/em> (He got the ticket thanks to his friend.)<\/p>\n

14. Gratid\u00e3o<\/em> \u2014 Gratitude<\/h3>\n

This phrase, which is mostly heard in Brazil, is considered somewhat hipster in tone, when used alone. But you can also use it the old fashioned way\u2014to mean “gratitude”\u2014like in this example sentence:<\/p>\n

N\u00e3o tenho palavras para expressar minha gratid\u00e3o<\/strong> por tudo que voc\u00ea fez por mim.<\/em> (I have no words to express my gratitude for everything you have done for me.)<\/p>\n

Or you can use it alone to say “thanks” with a cool, hipster Brazilian edge.<\/p>\n

15. Agradecer<\/em> \u2014 To thank<\/h3>\n

Agradecer<\/em> is actually a verb meaning “to thank.” Therefore, remember to follow Portuguese conjugation rules<\/a> when you use it.<\/span><\/p>\n

N\u00e3o posso lhe agradecer<\/span> <\/strong>o suficiente.<\/em>\u00a0(I can’t\u00a0thank<\/span> him enough.)<\/p>\n

Quero agradecer<\/strong> a todos por estarem aqui essa noite.<\/em>\u00a0(I’d like to thank you all for being here tonight.)<\/p>\n

How to Respond to Thank You in Portuguese<\/h2>\n

Although you’ve now mastered how to say thank you in Portuguese, there will also be times when you will be thanked yourself\u2014and you’ll probably want to respond to this gratitude! Here are some ways to graciously receive when you are given thanks:<\/p>\n

De nada<\/em> \u2014 You’re welcome<\/h3>\n

This is the most common way of responding to any sort of “thank you” on the list above. You can use it with anyone from your mother to a supermarket cashier. It covers all levels of formality, so it’s a good go-to for anytime you want to express that you were happy to help someone.<\/p>\n

Agrade\u00e7o por sua ajuda!<\/em> (Thank you for your help!)<\/p>\n

De nada!<\/em> <\/strong>(You’re welcome!)<\/p>\n

N\u00e3o h\u00e1 de qu\u00ea<\/em> \u2014 <\/em>You\u2019re welcome<\/h3>\n

This phrase is slightly more formal than the others, so you can use it for situations where you want to express that the person is welcome, but maybe you don’t know them well, or they’re your elder or a person of authority. It also implies that whatever you’ve done for the person wasn’t an inconvenience to you. You were happy to do it.<\/p>\n

Obrigado por me ajudar com o projeto.<\/em> (Thank you for helping me with the project.)<\/p>\n

N\u00e3o h\u00e1 de qu\u00ea<\/strong>, estou sempre aqui para ajudar quando precisar.<\/em> (You’re welcome, I’m always here to help whenever you need.)<\/p>\n

Por nada!<\/em> \u2014 You’re welcome!<\/h3>\n

This is an alternative to\u00a0de nada\u00a0<\/em>that basically has the same meaning. The small difference is that it implies just a little more of a feeling that you were happy to do whatever you’re being thanked for. It also implies that you expect nothing in return.<\/p>\n

Obrigado!<\/em> (Thank you!)<\/p>\n

Por nada!<\/strong> Foi um prazer ajudar.<\/em> (You’re welcome! It was a pleasure to help.)<\/p>\n

To properly grasp which situations require which responses, it can be helpful to consume native media so you can hear these phrases used in context.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You can try watching TV<\/a> or movies<\/a> in Portuguese, or using a language learning program like FluentU<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

FluentU creates personalized language learning lessons by using authentic videos\u2014like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks\u2014to assist you in getting familiar, comfortable and confident with words and phrases in different contexts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Each video comes with interactive subtitles, so you can find detailed information about any term just by clicking it. You can also study on-the-go with the iOS<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Android<\/span><\/a> apps.<\/span><\/p>\n

Questions About Thank You in Portuguese<\/h2>\n

Do I say obrigado <\/em>or obrigada<\/em>?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This answer depends on the gender you identify as!<\/p>\n

For instance, if you identify as male, you say “thank you” by using the word obrigado<\/em>. Informally in speech, this can be said as brigado<\/em>\u00a0by dropping the ‘o’.<\/em><\/p>\n

Similarly, if you identify as female, you say “thank you” by using the word obrigada<\/em>. And, like above, in informal speech this can be said as brigada<\/em>\u00a0by dropping the ‘a’.<\/em><\/p>\n

Do Portuguese speakers say gracias<\/em>?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

No\u2014typically, this is used more by Spanish speakers. <\/p>\n

The equivalent of gracias<\/em> would be gra\u00e7a a, <\/em>as discussed above. This word is used when a general sense of gratitude is given, like to a person or entity, like when saying a prayer, or giving grace\/ to say grace: dar gra\u00e7as<\/em>. See the connection there!<\/p>\n

How do Brazilians say “thank you”?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

They also say obrigado<\/em> or obrigada\u2014<\/em>but they have some unique ways of expressing gratitude, as we’ve shown you above.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hopefully, you’ve learned all you need to feel confident when thanking someone in every context.<\/p>\n

With these phrases, grammar notes and tips, you’ll be sure to never miss out on that delicious brigadeiro!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

You’re in Rio de Janeiro, and your host offers you a traditional Brazilian dessert called brigadeiro. “Obrigado” (thank you), you say. But upon hearing you, he retracts the hot balls…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":697,"featured_media":251771,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"title":"15 Ways to Say \"Thank You\" in Portuguese in Every Situation | FluentU Portuguese Blog","description":"Learn how to say thank you in Portuguese, whatever your circumstance! We've put together a list of formal, colloquial and versatile Portuguese phrases for expressing gratitude, as well as phrases for replying when someone says thanks to you. We've also included Brazilian slang. Click here to find out more!"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[373,380],"tags":[],"coauthors":[856],"class_list":["post-61191","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-portuguese","category-portuguese-vocab-and-grammar"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61191","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/697"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=61191"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61191\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":247744,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61191\/revisions\/247744"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/251771"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=61191"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=61191"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=61191"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=61191"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}