Brazilian expressions Americans love (and how to use them)

Updated October 18, 2026

Brazilian Portuguese is full of warm, funny and untranslatable expressions. Learn a few and you'll make any Brazilian smile. Here are the ones you'll hear most, with their meaning and how to use them.

Words with no translation

• Saudade — a deep longing for someone or something you miss. “Que saudade!” (I miss you/it so much!)
• Cafuné — running your fingers gently through someone's hair.
• Jeitinho — the Brazilian knack for finding a creative way around a problem.
• Saideira — the very last drink of the night (that's never really the last).

Everyday expressions

• Beleza? / Tudo joia? — All good? Answer: “Beleza!” or “Joia!”
• Valeu! — Thanks! (casual)
• Nossa! — Wow! Oh my!
• Fala sério! — No way! / Come on!
• Pois é — Yeah, right / I know (agreeing with a sigh).
• Bora! / Partiu! — Let's go!
• Cara — Dude. “Cara, que legal!”
• Tamo junto — We're in this together / I've got your back.
• Se Deus quiser — God willing, hopefully.
• Oxe! — Huh? What?! (typical of the Northeast, especially Bahia)

Friendship and dating

• Gato / gata — literally “cat”: a cute guy / a cute girl.
• Ficar — to casually see or make out with someone, without being in a relationship.
• Namorar — to date seriously, be boyfriend and girlfriend.
• Paquerar — to flirt.
• Beijos / bjs — kisses: a friendly sign-off, even between friends.

Texting

• kkkk or rsrs — laughing. hahaha works too.
• vc (você), tb (também), blz (beleza), pq (porque), q (que).

Tip: slang changes from region to region. Someone from Rio and someone from Bahia may say things very differently, and that's half the fun. If you don't get something, just ask: “O que significa isso?” See also Portuguese phrases for chatting.