thank you
The phrase "obrigado" (masculine) or "obrigada" (feminine) is the standard way to express gratitude in Portuguese. The mental image is that of being "obligated" or "bound" to the other person for a favor received, creating a social debt that is fulfilled by the act of thanking. In terms of usage, the gender of the speaker determines the ending of the word. Men say "obrigado," while women say "obrigada," regardless of the gender of the person they are addressing. It is very common to add intensifiers like "muito" (very) or "mil" (a thousand) to show deeper appreciation.
In conversation
Receiving a gift
Aqui está o seu presente de aniversário.
Here is your birthday present.
Ai, que lindo! Muito obrigada!
Oh, how beautiful! Thank you so much!
The speaker uses 'obrigada' because the speaker is female.
Small favor
Posso te emprestar minha caneta.
I can lend you my pen.
Valeu, obrigado pela ajuda.
Thanks, thanks for the help.
Using 'valeu' alongside 'obrigado' is a very common casual structure.
Examples
Obrigado pela ajuda.
Thank you for the help.
Muito obrigada por tudo o que você fez por mim.
Thank you very much for everything you did for me.
Fico muito agradecido, obrigado mesmo pela gentileza.
I am very grateful, thank you really for the kindness.
