Portuguese Phrase
Valeu pelo tempo!
Meaning
A casual way to say “Thanks for the time!” after someone has helped you, listened to you, or spent a moment with you. It conveys gratitude without sounding overly formal.
When to use
Use it in informal conversations with friends, classmates, coworkers you know well, or after a brief meeting. It’s perfect for face‑to‑face chats, quick messages, or casual emails.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Valeupelotempo!
Valeu (informal thank you)
"Valeu" is the colloquial past form of "valer" used like "thanks" in informal Brazilian Portuguese.
pelo = por + o
"pelo" is the contraction of the preposition "por" (for) and the masculine singular article "o" (the).
tempo (time)
"tempo" means "time"; when paired with "pelo" it refers to the time someone has spent with you.
🗨In Conversation
Valeu pelo tempo!
Thanks for the time!
De nada, foi um prazer.
You’re welcome, it was a pleasure.
✕Common Mistakes
Valeu por tempo!
The correct preposition is "pelo" (por + o) when referring to "the time".
Valeu pelo!
Add the article "o" (or "seu") to make the phrase natural: "pelo tempo" or "pelo seu tempo".
Valeu, senhor.
In very formal contexts, replace "Valeu" with "Obrigado/Obrigada".
↔Alternatives
Obrigado pelo seu tempo.
Thank you for your time.
Agradeço o tempo que você dedicou.
I appreciate the time you dedicated.
Valeu por me atender.
Thanks for attending to me.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil "Valeu" is a friendly, gender‑neutral way to thank someone and is especially popular among younger speakers. In formal settings (e.g., business meetings, with strangers) it’s safer to use "Obrigado/Obrigada" (depending on your gender) or the more complete "Obrigado pelo seu tempo."