Fique bom

You use it when someone tells you they have a cold. Or perhaps they are staying home with a headache. You can say it in person as you leave. You can also send it as a quick text message. It is a small gesture that carries a lot of warmth. Use it whenever someone isn't at 100%.

Use it at the office when a colleague leaves early. Use it with your friends when they cancel plans due to illness. It works perfectly when texting a family member who is under the weather. If you see someone sneezing at a cafe, this is the polite thing to say. It shows you are paying attention and that you care.

Don't use it for major, life-altering medical news without more words. In very serious cases, it might feel a bit too casual or brief. Also, don't use it if someone is just having a bad day at work. It specifically refers to physical or mental health recovery. If they are just angry, fique bom will sound very confusing to them.

Brazilians and Portuguese people are generally very warm and expressive. Wishing someone health is a social requirement. It is almost rude to acknowledge someone is sick without offering a wish for recovery. The phrase reflects a culture that values personal connection and well-being. It is a linguistic hug for someone who is feeling fragile.

If you are talking to a woman, you must say fique boa. This is a common mistake for beginners! You can also say melhoras, which literally means "improvements." Melhoras is even more common in casual texting. If you want to be more formal, you could say desejo que você fique bom logo.