hello

The word "oi" is the most fundamental and versatile way to greet someone in Portuguese. It functions like a friendly "hi" or "hello," acting as an informal bridge to start any conversation, whether in person, over the phone, or in a text message. It is highly flexible and used across all social classes and ages in informal settings. While "olá" is a slightly more neutral or formal alternative, "oi" is the go-to choice for friends, family, and colleagues you are on familiar terms with.
In conversation
Running into a friend on the street
Oi! Tudo bem?
Hi! Everything good?
Oi, tudo ótimo e você?
Hi, everything is great, and you?
The most common way to start a casual interaction.
Starting a text conversation
Oi, você está livre hoje?
Hi, are you free today?
Oi! Sim, estou.
Hi! Yes, I am.
Very common for digital messaging.
Examples
Oi, como vai você?
Hi, how are you doing?
Oi, desculpe o atraso.
Hi, sorry for the delay.
Oi! Faz tempo que não nos vemos.
Hi! It's been a long time since we've seen each other.