January 11th is International Thank You Day, the perfect time to explore how to say “thank you in European Portuguese”. In previous posts, we learned the difference between obrigado and obrigada and also how to say “you’re welcome“. This post will explore some other ways that go beyond the basics. As a Portuguese learner, expanding your vocabulary with varied and authentic expressions helps you sound more natural and confident when speaking the language. Additionally, I’ll show you creative alternatives for saying “you’re welcome” too. Watch the videos below to hear these phrases and learn how to use them in real conversations!
How to Say “Thank You” in European Portuguese
The word obrigado/a is the go-to way to say thank you, but there are plenty of other options depending on the context. Here are a few examples:
Casual Situations
- Obrigadão (A big thank you!)
- Fixe, obrigado/a! (Cool, thanks!)
Formal or Polite Contexts
- Grato/a (Grateful.)
- Agradeço imenso (I deeply appreciate it.)
Old School Expression
- Bem-haja! (Thank you kindly!)
Videos
How to Say “You’re Welcome” in European Portuguese
Knowing how to respond to gratitude is just as important. Here are some great ways to say “you’re welcome” in different settings:
Informal Conversations
- Ora essa! (Oh, please!)*
- Tranquilo! (No worries!)
Formal Responses
- Às ordens. (At your service.)
- Disponha. (At your disposal.)
- Não tem de quê. (Don’t mention it.)**
Friendly and Warm Options
- Foi um prazer ajudar! (It was a pleasure to help!)
- Com todo o gosto! (With great pleasure!)
- (informal, singular) Sempre aqui para ti! (Always here for you!)
- (formal, singular) Sempre aqui para si! (Always here for you!)
- (plural) Sempre aqui para ti! (Always here for you! – plural)
*Translations for “Ora essa!”
There is no one good translation for this one. “Ora essa!” has a tone of casual reassurance or dismissal of thanks. It’s often paired with a touch of surprise that the other person would even think they needed to apologise or express gratitude. So, the best translation depends on the mood you’re trying to convey.
- “Oh, please!” (in a reassuring sense, not sarcastic)
- “Oh, come on!” (friendly and dismissive)
- “Of course not!” (in response to someone feeling apologetic or hesitant)
- “Don’t even mention it!”
- “You’re welcome!” (a warmer version)
- “No need to thank me!”
For example:
- Someone says: “Desculpa pedir isto…” (I’m sorry to ask for this…)
You could reply: “Ora essa!” (Oh, come on, don’t worry about it!)
** A good translation for “Não tem de quê” would be:
- “You’re welcome.” (neutral and polite)
- “No need to thank me.” (slightly more formal or reassuring)
- “It’s nothing.” (friendly and casual)
- “Don’t mention it.” (common in English and matches the tone well)
The phrase literally means “You don’t have to (thank for) anything,” so it carries the idea of modesty and dismissal of any need for gratitude.
Contextual Use Example
- Someone says: “Obrigada por me ajudares!”
You respond: “Não tem de quê!” → “No need to thank me!”
It’s polite and widely used in European Portuguese, so “Don’t mention it” is often the best natural equivalent.
Videos
Why Learn These Alternatives?
Using different ways to say thank you in European Portuguese shows a deeper understanding of the language and culture. It also helps you connect better with native speakers, whether you’re in Portugal or practising online.
Practice Makes Perfect
So check out the videos above to hear these expressions and practice them yourself. Which one will you try first? Leave a comment and let me know!
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