Portuguese is a beautiful language spoken by millions of people around the world. If you find yourself in a situation where you want to express gratitude in Portuguese, knowing how to say “thank you” is essential. Below, we have listed various ways to say thank you in Portuguese, along with tips on when and how to use them.
1. Obrigado (if you’re male) / Obrigada (if you’re female)
Obrigado and obrigada are the most common ways to say “thank you” in Portuguese. The difference lies in the gender of the speaker; males use “obrigado” while females use “obrigada.” It is important to match the gender of the word with the speaker to show proper respect and appreciation.
When to use:
- Formal situations
- With strangers
- When addressing someone older than you
How to use:
Simply say “obrigado” or “obrigada” after someone does something nice for you or gives you a gift. To make it more polite, you can say “muito obrigado” (thank you very much) or “muito obrigada” if you’re female.
2. Obrigadíssimo (if you’re male) / Obrigadíssima (if you’re female)
Obrigadíssimo and obrigadíssima are variations of “obrigado” and “obrigada” that express an even higher level of gratitude. These words convey a stronger sense of appreciation and thankfulness.
When to use:
- When you want to emphasize your gratitude
- For significant favors or gifts
How to use:
Use “obrigadíssimo” or “obrigadíssima” when you want to express sincere and heartfelt thanks. It is a more intense form of gratitude and can be used in more formal or personal contexts to show your appreciation.
3. Muito obrigado (if you’re male) / Muito obrigada (if you’re female)
Muito obrigado and muito obrigada are variations of “obrigado” and “obrigada” that mean “thank you very much” in English. These expressions are used to convey a high level of appreciation and gratitude for someone’s kind actions or words.
When to use:
- After receiving a special gift or favor
- When someone goes out of their way to help you
- Showing deep appreciation
How to use:
When you want to express extra gratitude, say “muito obrigado” or “muito obrigada” to show that you are truly thankful for someone’s generosity or kindness. This phrase demonstrates your heartfelt appreciation.
4. Ah, obrigado/a!
Ah, obrigado/a! is a casual and informal way to say “thank you” in Portuguese. It is commonly used when you want to show appreciation in a friendly and relaxed manner, especially among friends and peers.
When to use:
- Informal settings
- Among close friends or family members
- When expressing gratitude in a casual tone
How to use:
Simply say “ah, obrigado!” or “ah, obrigada!” in a light-hearted way to thank someone for a small favor or gesture. This expression is perfect for informal situations where you want to show your thanks in a friendly and casual way.
5. Agradecido (if you’re male) / Agradecida (if you’re female)
Agradecido and agradecida are less formal ways to say “thankful” in Portuguese. While they are not direct translations of “thank you,” these words convey a sense of appreciation and gratitude for someone’s kindness or generosity.
When to use:
- Expressing general gratitude
- In casual conversations
- When you want to show appreciation without using “thank you”
How to use:
Use “agradecido” or “agradecida” to express your thankfulness in a relaxed and informal manner. These words are versatile and can be used in various contexts to convey your gratitude without using the direct phrase “thank you.”
6. Thank You in Brazilian Portuguese vs. European Portuguese
It is important to note that there are slight differences in how “thank you” is expressed in Brazilian Portuguese and European Portuguese. While the basic phrases remain the same, there may be variations in pronunciation and usage based on regional differences.
Brazilian Portuguese:
- “Obrigado” (male) or “obrigada” (female) are the standard ways to say “thank you.”
- Informal variations such as “valeu” or “brigado” are commonly used among friends.
European Portuguese:
- “Obrigado” (male) or “obrigada” (female) are also used to express gratitude in European Portuguese.
- Formal expressions like “muito obrigado” or “muito obrigada” are preferred in more formal settings.
Final Thoughts
Saying “thank you” in Portuguese is a simple yet powerful way to show appreciation and gratitude towards others. Whether you choose to use the traditional expressions like “obrigado” or opt for more casual phrases like “ah, obrigado!” it is important to convey your thanks sincerely and authentically.
Remember to match the gender of the word with your own when saying “obrigado” or “obrigada,” and use variations like “muito obrigado” or “muito obrigada” for added emphasis. Practice these expressions in different contexts to become more comfortable and confident in expressing your gratitude in Portuguese.
Next time someone does something kind for you, don’t forget to say “thank you” in Portuguese. Your sincere appreciation will not only make the other person feel good but also strengthen your connection with them through the power of gratitude.
