Portuguese Phrase
Foi ótimo, valeu! Relaxei em casa.
Meaning
This phrase is a common way to describe a positive, low-key experience. 'Foi ótimo' indicates that the time spent was excellent, while 'valeu' serves as an informal 'thanks' or 'cheers.' The second part specifies that the person spent their time resting at home.
When to use
Use this when a friend or colleague asks how your weekend, holiday, or evening went. It is perfect for casual conversations where you want to convey that you had a good, restful time.
✦Grammar Breakdown
FoiótimovaleuRelaxeiemcasa
Foi
The third-person singular preterite of the verb 'ser', used here to describe a finished event.
Relaxei
The first-person singular preterite of 'relaxar', showing a completed action in the past.
🗨In Conversation
E aí, como foi o seu feriado?
Hey, how was your holiday?
Foi ótimo, valeu! Relaxei em casa.
It was great, thanks! I relaxed at home.
✕Common Mistakes
Era ótimo, valeu!
Use 'foi' for a completed event in the past rather than 'era' which implies a continuous state.
Relaxei no casa.
The correct prepositional phrase is 'em casa' when referring to one's own home.
↔Alternatives
Foi muito bom, obrigado! Descansei bastante.
It was very good, thank you! I rested a lot.
Tudo certo, valeu! Fiquei de boa em casa.
All good, thanks! I chilled at home.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, 'valeu' is one of the most versatile slang terms, used for everything from 'thank you' to 'goodbye.' Additionally, Brazilians often use the expression 'ficar de boa' to describe the act of relaxing, which aligns with the sentiment of staying home to recharge.

