Portuguese Phrase
Bem feito, obrigado.
Meaning
Literally ‘well done, thank you’, this phrase is used to praise someone for a job well executed and to thank them for the effort. It conveys both approval and appreciation in a single, concise sentence.
When to use
Use it right after someone finishes a task, presents a result, or completes a performance that you consider satisfactory. It works in informal and semi‑formal settings, such as among friends, colleagues, or in a classroom.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Bemfeito,obrigado.
Bem (adverb)
‘Bem’ is an adverb meaning ‘well’ and modifies the past participle that follows.
feito (past participle)
‘Feito’ is the past participle of ‘fazer’ used here as an adjective meaning ‘done’ or ‘well‑done’.
obrigado / obrigada (thanks)
The word expresses gratitude; men say ‘obrigado’, women say ‘obrigada’. It can be placed after the compliment or before it.
🗨In Conversation
Bem feito, obrigado.
Well done, thank you.
Obrigado, fico feliz que tenha gostado.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
✕Common Mistakes
Bom feito, obrigado.
‘Bom’ is an adjective; the correct adverbial form is ‘bem’. ‘Bom feito’ sounds ungrammatical.
Bem feito, obrigado.
Women should use ‘obrigada’ to match their gender.
↔Alternatives
Parabéns, obrigado.
Congratulations, thank you.
Bom trabalho, obrigado.
Good job, thank you.
Muito bem, obrigado.
Very good, thank you.
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese, ‘obrigado’ agrees with the speaker’s gender – men say ‘obrigado’, women say ‘obrigada’. The phrase can sound sarcastic if delivered with a flat or mocking tone, so be mindful of your intonation. In Brazil it’s common to add a smile or a light clap when saying it, while in Portugal the tone is usually more restrained.