Here are some basic Portuguese phrases which you can use in everyday conversation, as well as some common words you will see on signs.
| Obrigado | Thanks (said by a man) |
| Obrigada | Thanks (said by a woman) |
| Muito obrigado | Thanks very much (said by a man) |
| Muito obrigada | Thanks very much (said by a woman) |
The following are some polite ways you can reply to someone who thanks you:
| De nada | You’re welcome |
| Não tem de quê | Don’t mention it |
| Ora essa | Not at all |
Saying hello and goodbye
Here are some different ways to greet people:
| Bom dia | Good morning (used before noon) |
| Boa tarde | Good afternoon (used from noon until dark) |
| Boa noite | Good evening (used after dark) |
The following expressions, on the other hand, are some different things you can say when saying goodbye:
| Tchau | Bye (informal) |
| Adeus | Goodbye |
| Boa noite | Goodnight |
| Até à vista! | See you! |
| Até breve! or Até à próxima! | See you soon! |
| Até logo! | See you later! |
| Tem um bom dia! | Have a nice day! |
| Bom fim de semana! | Have a good weekend! |
Getting someone’s attention and apologising
| Desculpe | Excuse me |
| Com licença | Excuse me (polite expression used to get past someone or when asking permission to do something) |
| Perdão | Sorry |
If someone apologises to you, you can reply using one of the following expressions:
| Não há problema | No problem |
| Tudo bem | It’s OK |
| Não te preocupes | Don’t worry about it |
