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Portuguese Phrase

Valeu pela ajuda hoje.

/vaˈlew peˈla aˈʒu.da ˈo.ʒi/
Meaning"Thanks for the help today."
💡

Meaning

Literally “It was worth it for the help today,” but idiomatically it means “Thanks for the help today.” It’s a friendly, informal way to express gratitude after someone has assisted you.

🎯

When to use

Use this phrase right after a friend, colleague, or peer has helped you with something earlier in the day. It’s perfect for casual conversations, text messages, or quick verbal thanks. Avoid it in formal or professional settings where a more polite form is expected.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Valeupelaajudahoje

1

Valeu (informal thanks)

A colloquial past form of the verb *valer* used like “thanks”. It’s informal and common among friends.

2

pela = por + a

The preposition *por* (for) contracts with the feminine article *a* to become *pela* before a feminine noun.

3

ajuda (noun)

Means “help”. It’s a feminine noun, so it takes the article *a* in the contraction *pela*.

4

hoje (adverb)

Means “today”. Placed at the end of the sentence for emphasis on the time.

🗨In Conversation

A

Valeu pela ajuda hoje.

Thanks for the help today.

Imagina, foi um prazer!

No problem, it was a pleasure!

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Valeu por ajuda hoje.

    The preposition *por* must contract with the feminine article *a* before *ajuda*, becoming *pela*.

  • Valeu a ajuda hoje.

    Using *a* instead of the contracted *pela* sounds unnatural; the correct form is *pela*.

  • Obrigada pela ajuda hoje (said by a man).

    If the speaker is female, the correct form is *Obrigada*; otherwise *Obrigado* is fine.

↔Alternatives

  • Obrigado pela ajuda hoje.

    Thank you for the help today.

  • Obrigada pela ajuda hoje.

    Thank you for the help today. (spoken by a woman)

  • Valeu pela força hoje.

    Thanks for the support today.

  • Agradeço a ajuda de hoje.

    I appreciate today’s help.

pt

Cultural Tip

“Valeu” is very informal and regionally popular in Brazil, especially among younger speakers. In a business email or when speaking to someone you don’t know well, opt for “Obrigado/Obrigada” or “Agradeço”. Also, note that the phrase can be shortened to just “Valeu!” when the context is clear.