In a world filled with diverse cultures and languages, the art of greeting is a universal bridge that connects us all. Whether you’re a traveller, a language enthusiast, if you are meeting new people, or simply interacting with new friends or a new family, greeting well will play a crucial role in your interaction. Your choice will establish rapport, show respect, and set the tone for a meaningful conversation. From the warm and familiar “oi” to the more intricate and nuanced salutations, this article will uncover the most common greetings in Portuguese!
So, without further ado, I invite you to join me explore them!
Formal Greetings
Let’s begin by exploring some of the most traditional and classic greetings and somewhat the most formal ones. They are particularly preferred when communicating with people for the first time, when interacting with people in service or business settings, and when greeting people in positions of authority.
The most common traditional and classical greetings are:
- Olá – Hello
- Como vai? – How are you?
- Bom dia – good morning
- Boa tarde – boa tarde
- Boa noite – good evening / good night
Less Formal
The next ones are still traditional but less formal. They may be used in more casual contexts, but in a somewhat considerate way.
The most traditional but less formal greetings are:
- Oi – hi
- Oi, tudo bem? – Hi, how are you?
- Oi, tudo bom? – Hi, how are you?
Students usually ask me about the difference between “Tudo bem” and “Tudo bom”. I explain it in this video:
Informal Greetings
Now that you’ve learned how to greet someone formally and less formally, let’s check out some of the most common informal greetings in Portuguese. Those that will make you speak like a local!
The most common informal greetings are:
- Iai – Hey
- Iai cara – Hey guy
- Iai amigo – Hey dude
- Iai meu irmão – Hey brother
- Iai mano – Hey brother
- Iai pessoal – Hey all
- Iai minha gente – Hey all
- Como é que você tá? – How’s it going?
- Como é que estão as coisas? – How are things?
- Tudo tranquilo? – Is everything fine?
- Tudo de boa? – Is everything good?
- Tudo certinho? – Is everything alright?
We went over several greetings in Portuguese for both formal and informal settings and if you read this article well, you are now able to greet someone in Portuguese in 20 distinct ways! 
Enjoyed this content? Participate in our community and keep practicing Portuguese!
Scan the QR code (or take a screenshot and search it with Google Lens) so that I can send you an invitation. IT’S FOR FREE!
Post Image by <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/young-people-waving-hand-illustration_6436211.htm#query=people%20greeting&position=0&from_view=search&track=ais”>Freepik</a>