In 15 Sekunden
- A warm exclamation used to express genuine joy or delight.
- Perfect for greetings, introductions, or seeing friends unexpectedly.
- Works in both professional networking and casual social settings.
Bedeutung
This is a warm, enthusiastic way to say 'What a pleasure!' or 'It's so good to see you!' It expresses genuine joy about a situation or meeting someone.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Meeting a friend's spouse for the first time
Que prazer em conhecê-la!
What a pleasure to meet you!
Bumping into an old colleague at a cafe
Que prazer te ver por aqui!
What a pleasure to see you here!
Being introduced to a new business partner
É um grande prazer conhecê-lo, Sr. Silva.
It is a great pleasure to meet you, Mr. Silva.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Brazil, 'Que prazer!' is often the start of a long greeting ritual that includes a hug (abraço) and, depending on the region, one to three kisses on the cheek. Portuguese people value 'educação' (politeness). 'Que prazer' is used to show you are a person of good breeding and genuine kindness, though it might be said with less volume than in Brazil. In Luanda, social connections are vital. 'Que prazer' is used with great enthusiasm to show respect and joy, often followed by 'Como vai a família?' (How is the family?). In Lusophone business, the 'relationship' comes before the 'contract'. Using 'Que prazer' helps build the necessary trust (confiança) before talking numbers.
Smile is mandatory
In Portuguese, this phrase is 50% words and 50% facial expression. If you say it without a smile, it sounds sarcastic.
Don't use for 'You're welcome'
English speakers often say 'My pleasure' as 'You're welcome'. In Portuguese, use 'De nada' or 'O prazer foi meu', but never just 'Que prazer!'.
In 15 Sekunden
- A warm exclamation used to express genuine joy or delight.
- Perfect for greetings, introductions, or seeing friends unexpectedly.
- Works in both professional networking and casual social settings.
What It Means
Que prazer is your go-to phrase for expressing delight. It translates to "What a pleasure" or "Such a pleasure." It is more than just a polite greeting. It signals that you are genuinely happy in the moment. Think of it as a verbal smile. You are telling the other person they made your day better.
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone exclamation. When someone walks into a room, just say Que prazer! with a big smile. You can also attach it to other actions. For example, Que prazer te ver! means "What a pleasure to see you!" It works perfectly when meeting someone new or reuniting with an old friend. It is flexible and always carries a positive vibe.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to show warmth. It is perfect for social gatherings or professional networking. At a restaurant, if the chef visits your table, say it. If you bump into a neighbor at the grocery store, use it. It is also great for closing a conversation. Use it instead of a boring "goodbye" to leave a lasting impression.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it in sad or very serious situations. Don't say it if someone is telling you about their broken car. It can sound sarcastic if your tone is flat. Also, don't use it for very minor things. If someone passes you the salt, a simple obrigado is better. Que prazer is for people and meaningful experiences, not just small favors.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers are known for being warm and expressive. This phrase reflects that open-hearted culture. In Brazil and Portugal, showing emotion is seen as being authentic. It is not just about being polite; it is about building a connection. It bridges the gap between strangers quickly. It turns a cold introduction into a warm welcome instantly.
Common Variations
You might hear É um prazer which is slightly more formal. If you are really excited, try Que prazer enorme! for "What a huge pleasure!" In business, people often say O prazer é meu (The pleasure is mine). This is the standard response when someone thanks you. It keeps the positive energy flowing back and forth.
Nutzungshinweise
This phrase is incredibly safe. It fits almost any social gap. Just remember to match your energy to the person you are talking to—more reserved in Portugal, more exuberant in Brazil.
Smile is mandatory
In Portuguese, this phrase is 50% words and 50% facial expression. If you say it without a smile, it sounds sarcastic.
Don't use for 'You're welcome'
English speakers often say 'My pleasure' as 'You're welcome'. In Portuguese, use 'De nada' or 'O prazer foi meu', but never just 'Que prazer!'.
The 'Mas' trick
Add 'Mas' at the beginning (Mas que prazer!) to sound like a native who is genuinely surprised and delighted.
Physicality
Be prepared for a handshake or a hug when using this phrase; it signals a desire for closeness.
Beispiele
6Que prazer em conhecê-la!
What a pleasure to meet you!
A classic, polite way to start a new relationship.
Que prazer te ver por aqui!
What a pleasure to see you here!
Shows surprise and genuine happiness.
É um grande prazer conhecê-lo, Sr. Silva.
It is a great pleasure to meet you, Mr. Silva.
Adding 'grande' makes it feel more professional and respectful.
Que prazer foi o nosso jantar hoje!
What a pleasure our dinner was today!
A sweet way to follow up via message.
Que prazer ter vocês na minha casa!
What a pleasure to have you in my home!
Very hospitable and welcoming.
Que prazer ficar uma hora na fila...
What a pleasure to stay an hour in line...
Only use this if you want to be funny/ironic with friends.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct words to express joy at seeing a friend.
Nossa, Ana! ______ ______ te ver por aqui!
'Que prazer' is the correct exclamatory form for seeing someone you know.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
Situation: You are introduced to your new boss for the first time.
This version uses the formal 'conhecê-lo' and 'senhor', which fits a professional introduction.
Choose the best response to the statement.
Speaker A: 'Que prazer imenso participar deste projeto com você!' Speaker B: '_________________'
This is the standard, polite way to return the sentiment of 'pleasure'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct and natural for a past event?
Select the best option:
Since the event happened 'ontem' (yesterday), we must use the past tense 'foi'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
When to say 'Que prazer!'
People
- • Old friends
- • New colleagues
- • Family
Events
- • Parties
- • Concerts
- • Dinners
Digital
- • Emails
Que Prazer vs. Muito Prazer
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenNossa, Ana! ______ ______ te ver por aqui!
'Que prazer' is the correct exclamatory form for seeing someone you know.
Situation: You are introduced to your new boss for the first time.
This version uses the formal 'conhecê-lo' and 'senhor', which fits a professional introduction.
Speaker A: 'Que prazer imenso participar deste projeto com você!' Speaker B: '_________________'
This is the standard, polite way to return the sentiment of 'pleasure'.
Select the best option:
Since the event happened 'ontem' (yesterday), we must use the past tense 'foi'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
12 FragenIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend. The tone of voice and the rest of the sentence define the formality.
Only if you are being introduced to them. Saying it to a random person on the street would be very strange.
'Muito prazer' is strictly for first-time meetings. 'Que prazer' is for people you know or for reacting to events.
The most common response is 'O prazer é meu' (The pleasure is mine) or 'Igualmente' (Likewise).
Both are correct. 'Em' is more formal and common in Portugal; dropping it is common in Brazil.
Yes! 'Que prazer ler este livro' (What a pleasure to read this book).
No, 'prazer' is always masculine. It's always 'Que prazer'.
Yes, it's a great way to start a friendly professional email: 'Que prazer ter notícias suas'.
Yes, in very informal Brazilian Portuguese, to show extra enthusiasm.
The 'Mas' adds emphasis and surprise, like 'Well, what a pleasure!'.
Absolutely, though it might be followed by more formal pronouns like 'vê-lo' instead of 'te ver'.
Only sarcastically, but be careful as it can sound very biting.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Muito prazer
similarNice to meet you
Que satisfação
synonymWhat a satisfaction
Que alegria
similarWhat a joy
O prazer é meu
contrastThe pleasure is mine
Prazer em conhecer
builds onPleasure in knowing/meeting