How Do You Say “Hi” in Portuguese? 👋🇵🇹

The word for “hi” in Portuguese is olá.

The Word for “Hi” in Portuguese

Olá is the standard way to greet someone in Portuguese. It works in both formal and informal situations.

Examples

  • Olá, tudo bem?
    Hi, how are you?

  • Olá, chamo-me Ana.
    Hi, my name is Ana.

  • Olá a todos!
    Hi everyone!



💡 Grammar Tip

  • Olá is universal — used everywhere in Portugal and understood in Brazil.

  • In Brazilian Portuguese, you’ll also hear oi, which is more casual, like saying “hey” or “hi.”

  • In European Portuguese, olá is far more common.


    • More Examples

  • Olá, bom dia!
    Hi, good morning!

  • Olá Pedro, como estás?
    Hi Pedro, how are you?

  • Olá, prazer em conhecê-lo.
    Hi, nice to meet you.



    • 🌱 Rooted in Meaning

    Olá comes from the same root as the Spanish hola. It’s thought to have developed from a shortened form of greetings like hola, buena ola (literally “good wave” in older Spanish/Portuguese usage). Today, it’s a simple, friendly greeting across Portuguese-speaking countries.


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