How Do You Say “Bless You” in Portuguese? 🤧🇵🇹

The phrase “bless you” in Portuguese is santinho (to a man) or santinha (to a woman).

The Phrase for “Bless You” in Portuguese

When someone sneezes in Portugal, the automatic and polite response is santinho or santinha.

Examples

  • Atchim! – Santinho!
    Achoo! – Bless you!

  • Santinho! Estás constipado?
    Bless you! Do you have a cold?

  • Três espirros? Santinho outra vez!
    Three sneezes? Bless you again!



More Examples

  • Santinho – queres um lenço?
    Bless you – do you want a tissue?

  • Santinha! Saúde!
    Bless you! Good health!

  • Espirraste? Santinho.
    Did you sneeze? Bless you.


    • 💡 Cultural Tip

  • Santinho literally means little saint.

  • Use santinho for a man and santinha for a woman.

  • It’s a warm, friendly habit in Portugal, always said immediately after a sneeze.

  • If someone sneezes more than once, you simply repeat it!


    • 🌱 Rooted in Meaning

    Santinho / Santinha come from santo (saint). The idea is that sneezing leaves you vulnerable, so wishing someone to be a “little saint” offers protection and good health.


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