Portuguese Phrase
Muito obrigado
Meaning
Literally ‘very obliged’, this phrase is the standard way to say ‘thank you very much’ in Portuguese. It conveys a stronger sense of gratitude than a simple ‘obrigado’. The gender of the speaker determines whether ‘obrigado’ (male) or ‘obrigada’ (female) is used.
When to use
Use it after receiving a favor, a gift, a service, or any act that you want to acknowledge with extra appreciation. It works in both formal and informal contexts, from a restaurant bill to a business meeting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Muitoobrigado
Muito (adverb)
‘Muito’ is an adverb meaning ‘very’ or ‘a lot’; it intensifies the word that follows.
Obrigado (past participle used as adjective)
‘Obrigado’ is the past participle of ‘obrigar’ and is used as an adjective meaning ‘thankful/obliged’; it agrees in gender with the speaker (obrigado for men, obrigada for women).
🗨In Conversation
Muito obrigado!
Thank you very much!
De nada.
You’re welcome.
✕Common Mistakes
Muito obrigado.
Women must use the feminine form ‘obrigada’; otherwise it sounds like a male speaker.
Obrigado a sua ajuda.
‘Obrigado a’ is incorrect; use ‘obrigado por’ + noun/verb to specify what you’re grateful for.
Muito obrigadoes a todos.
‘Obrigado’ does not change in plural; the phrase stays singular regardless of how many people are thanked.
↔Alternatives
Obrigado(a) demais
Thanks a lot
Valeu
Thanks (informal, Brazil)
Agradeço muito
I appreciate it a lot
Obrigado(a) mesmo
Really, thank you
Cultural Tip
In Brazil and Portugal, ‘obrigado’ is the default way to express thanks; the literal meaning is ‘I am obliged’. Women must say ‘obrigada’, while men say ‘obrigado’. In very informal settings Brazilians often use ‘valeu’ or ‘brigado’ (slang). When you want to sound especially polite, add ‘muito’ or ‘muito obrigado(a)’. Remember that saying ‘obrigado’ after a refusal can sound sarcastic, so keep the tone sincere.