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Portuguese Phrase

Obrigado / Obrigada

/obɾiˈɡadu/ (male) – /obɾiˈɡada/ (female)
Meaning"Thank you."
💡

Meaning

A simple way to say “thank you” in Portuguese. The form changes to match the speaker’s gender, but the meaning stays the same: gratitude for a favor, service, or kindness.

🎯

When to use

Use it after receiving help, a gift, a service, or any act of kindness. It works in everyday conversation, in restaurants, shops, classrooms, and even in more formal settings like business meetings.

✦Grammar Breakdown

ObrigadoObrigada

1

Gender agreement

Use "obrigado" if the speaker identifies as male, and "obrigada" if the speaker identifies as female; the word agrees with the speaker, not the listener.

2

Origin

Literally means "I am obliged", derived from the verb "obrigar" (to oblige).

3

Formality

"Obrigado/a" works in both formal and informal contexts, but more casual alternatives exist.

🗨In Conversation

A

Obrigado!

Thank you!

De nada.

You’re welcome.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Obrigado a sua ajuda.

    Use "obrigado por" to thank someone for something, not "obrigado a".

  • Eu sou brasileira, obrigado.

    Female speakers should use "obrigada" to match gender.

  • Obrigado muito.

    The correct order is "muito obrigado/a".

↔Alternatives

  • Valeu

    Thanks (very informal)

  • Muito obrigado/a

    Thank you very much

  • Agradeço

    I appreciate it

  • Obrigado/a mesmo

    Thanks a lot

pt

Cultural Tip

In Brazil, "obrigado/a" is the default way to express thanks, and people rarely say "gracias" (Spanish). In Portugal, you’ll also hear "obrigado/a" but sometimes hear "grato" in very formal written notes. When speaking to a group, you can keep the singular form (e.g., "Obrigado a todos"). If you’re unsure of your own gendered form, "Obrigado" is widely accepted as a neutral default, especially among learners.