Greeting in Portuguese – in Portugal and Brazil

In Portugal, a handshake is the norm in formal and business situations. Friends usually greet each other with two kisses on the cheek—first on the right, then on the left. Between men, it’s often just a firm handshake, sometimes with a pat on the shoulder if they are close.

In Brazil, greetings are more relaxed. People are quicker to give a kiss on the cheek, even at a first meeting. Men don’t kiss each other, but they often go for a strong hug with a pat on the back—a tapinha nas costas.

What do you say, and when?

• Formal: In both Portugal and Brazil, you use “Bom dia” (good morning), “Boa tarde” (good afternoon), and “Boa noite” (good evening/night) in polite or professional settings.
• Informal: In Brazil, you’ll often hear “Oi”, while in Portugal, “Olá” is more common.
• How are you? In both Portugal and Brazil, you ask: “Tudo bem?”

Business greetings: formal in Portugal, warm in Brazil

In Portugal, business greetings are polite and reserved. A handshake, steady eye contact, and using Senhor or Senhora (Mr/Ms) is appropriate. In Brazil, the approach is much more relaxed. A meeting may start with a handshake, but as the relationship develops, it often includes a pat on the back or a hug.

How to say goodbye

• In professional settings where you don’t see each other daily, people say “Até à próxima”. It shows you want to see the person again.
• If you're meeting again the next day: “Até amanhã”.
• If you're seeing each other in an hour or so: “Até já” – see you soon.
• If later the same day: “Até logo” – see you later.