Portuguese Phrase
Tenho estado bem, obrigado!
Meaning
Literally, “I have been well, thank you!” It’s a polite way to answer a question about how you’re doing, indicating that you’ve been feeling good over a period of time.
When to use
Use this response after someone asks “Como está?” or “Como tem estado?” to let them know you’ve been fine. It works in both formal and informal settings, though the “obrigado” part adds a courteous tone.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tenhoestadobemobrigado
Present Perfect (Tenho + past participle)
“Tenho” + past participle (estado) expresses an ongoing state that started in the past and continues now.
Adverb of manner (bem)
“Bem” means “well” and modifies the verb phrase, indicating the quality of the state.
Polite gratitude (obrigado/obrigada)
Add “obrigado” (or “obrigada”) after a statement to thank the listener for asking.
🗨In Conversation
Como tem estado ultimamente?
How have you been lately?
Tenho estado bem, obrigado!
I have been well, thank you!
✕Common Mistakes
Tenho estado bem, por favor.
“Por favor” means “please”; it doesn’t belong in a gratitude response.
Tenho estado bem, obrigadoa.
The correct form is “obrigado” for males and “obrigada” for females.
↔Alternatives
Estou bem, obrigado!
I’m fine, thank you!
Tenho estado ótimo, obrigado!
I have been great, thank you!
Tudo bem, obrigado!
All good, thank you!
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, adding “obrigado” (or “obrigada” for women) after a statement about your wellbeing shows politeness and gratitude. It’s common to reply briefly in casual chats, but in more formal contexts you might expand with a short comment about work or family.