15초 만에
- The most common casual way to say 'thanks' in Brazil.
- Can also mean 'goodbye' or 'okay' depending on the context.
- Derived from the verb meaning 'to be worth it.'
- Perfect for friends, colleagues, and daily errands.
뜻
It is the ultimate Swiss Army knife of Brazilian Portuguese. It most commonly means 'thanks,' but it also works for 'cool,' 'goodbye,' or 'it's a deal.'
주요 예문
3 / 6Buying a snack
Aqui está o seu troco. — Valeu!
Here is your change. — Thanks!
Ending a phone call
Combinado então, a gente se vê lá. Valeu!
Deal then, see you there. Bye!
A colleague helps with a task
Valeu pela ajuda com o relatório, cara.
Thanks for the help with the report, man.
문화적 배경
The word 'Valeu' is a symbol of the 'democratization' of the Portuguese language in Brazil, breaking down formal barriers between different social classes. Cariocas often stretch the 'u' at the end (Valeuuuu) and use it with a very specific rising and falling intonation to show extra friendliness. In São Paulo, 'Valeu' is often followed by 'mano' and used very rapidly in the fast-paced urban environment. While Brazilians use it for everything, in Portugal it is mostly seen as a slang term from Brazil. Using it might make you sound like you're trying too hard to speak like a Brazilian soap opera character.
The 'Aí' Add-on
Add 'aí' after 'valeu' (Valeu aí!) to sound 100% more like a local. It softens the word and makes it sound very natural.
Gender Neutrality
Unlike 'Obrigado/a,' 'Valeu' is gender-neutral. Men and women use it exactly the same way. It's a safe bet if you're unsure!
15초 만에
- The most common casual way to say 'thanks' in Brazil.
- Can also mean 'goodbye' or 'okay' depending on the context.
- Derived from the verb meaning 'to be worth it.'
- Perfect for friends, colleagues, and daily errands.
What It Means
Valeu comes from the verb valer (to be worth). Literally, you are saying 'it was worth it.' In practice, it is the most common way to say 'thanks' in Brazil. It is shorter than obrigado. It feels much more relaxed. It suggests that the interaction you just had was valuable.
How To Use It
Use it exactly like you would use 'thanks' or 'cheers.' You can say it when someone hands you a coffee. You can say it when a friend agrees to a plan. It also works as a closing word. Instead of tchau, just say valeu as you walk away. In text messages, it is often shortened to vlw. It is quick, punchy, and very Brazilian.
When To Use It
Use it in almost every daily interaction. Use it at the supermarket with the cashier. Use it when a stranger holds the door open. It is perfect for texting friends after a hangout. If someone gives you a compliment, valeu is a great response. It shows you are chill and approachable. It is the bread and butter of casual conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid valeu in very formal settings. Do not say it to a judge in court. Do not use it in a high-stakes corporate presentation to a CEO. If you are at a funeral, stick to more formal expressions of gratitude. It can feel a bit too 'surfer-dude' if the vibe is solemn. If you need to show deep, profound debt to someone, use muito obrigado instead.
Cultural Background
This phrase exploded in popularity in the 90s and 2000s. It captures the 'jeitinho brasileiro'—the informal, friendly way of life. It started as slang but moved into general daily use. It reflects a culture that values brevity and warmth over rigid etiquette. In Rio de Janeiro, you will hear it every ten seconds. It is a linguistic high-five.
Common Variations
Valeu demais: Use this when you are extra thankful.Valeu, falou: A classic way to say 'Thanks, bye.'Vlw: The internet version for WhatsApp and Instagram.Valeuzão: An augmented version for a big favor.Valeu, cara: Adding 'man' or 'dude' at the end for extra casual points.
사용 참고사항
Extremely common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese. It sits comfortably in the 'informal' to 'neutral' range. Avoid in academic writing or formal ceremonies.
The 'Aí' Add-on
Add 'aí' after 'valeu' (Valeu aí!) to sound 100% more like a local. It softens the word and makes it sound very natural.
Gender Neutrality
Unlike 'Obrigado/a,' 'Valeu' is gender-neutral. Men and women use it exactly the same way. It's a safe bet if you're unsure!
The Nod
In Brazil, 'Valeu' is often accompanied by a small upward nod of the head. Practice the nod to complete the vibe.
Texting Shortcut
When texting, you can just write 'vlw'. Everyone will understand it.
예시
6Aqui está o seu troco. — Valeu!
Here is your change. — Thanks!
A standard, polite but casual exchange.
Combinado então, a gente se vê lá. Valeu!
Deal then, see you there. Bye!
Used here as a closing instead of 'goodbye'.
Valeu pela ajuda com o relatório, cara.
Thanks for the help with the report, man.
Professional but relaxed workplace vibe.
Vlw por ontem, foi muito legal!
Thanks for yesterday, it was really cool!
Using the common 'vlw' abbreviation.
Nossa, você salvou minha vida! Valeu demais!
Wow, you saved my life! Thanks so much!
Adding 'demais' increases the intensity.
Valeu por me avisar só agora, hein?
Thanks for telling me only now, huh?
Can be used sarcastically when someone messes up.
셀프 테스트
Fill in the blank with the most natural informal expression.
— Aqui está o livro que você me pediu. — ______, cara!
'Valeu' is the perfect casual way to thank a friend for returning a book.
Match the 'Valeu' sense to the situation.
Situation: You are hanging up the phone after a quick chat.
In this context, 'Valeu' acts as a 'bye.'
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
How do you thank someone for the help?
'Valeu' uses the preposition 'por' (pela = por + a).
Complete the dialogue naturally.
Amigo 1: 'Bora no shopping hoje?' Amigo 2: '______! Que horas?'
Here, 'Valeu' means 'Sure/Deal.'
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
The 3 Faces of Valeu
Thanks
- • Small favors
- • Service workers
- • Gifts from friends
Agreement
- • Confirming plans
- • Saying 'OK'
- • Accepting a deal
Goodbye
- • Leaving a group
- • Hanging up
- • Ending a chat
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제— Aqui está o livro que você me pediu. — ______, cara!
'Valeu' is the perfect casual way to thank a friend for returning a book.
Situation: You are hanging up the phone after a quick chat.
In this context, 'Valeu' acts as a 'bye.'
How do you thank someone for the help?
'Valeu' uses the preposition 'por' (pela = por + a).
Amigo 1: 'Bora no shopping hoje?' Amigo 2: '______! Que horas?'
Here, 'Valeu' means 'Sure/Deal.'
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Not at all, as long as you are in an informal setting. It's friendly and casual. However, using it with a judge or at a formal ceremony would be considered rude.
Yes, but it will mark you as someone using Brazilian slang. It's better to stick to 'Obrigado' or 'Ok' in Portugal unless you want to sound specifically Brazilian.
No. Even if you are thanking 100 people, it is always 'Valeu.'
'Obrigado' is the standard, formal word for 'Thank you.' 'Valeu' is the informal, slangy version that also means 'Bye' and 'OK.'
It's more common to say 'Valeu demais' or 'Valeu mesmo.' 'Valeu muito' sounds a bit more literal (like 'it was worth a lot').
Only in very casual startups or with colleagues you are very close to. In a formal meeting, avoid it.
You can say 'Falou,' 'É nóis,' 'De nada,' or even just another 'Valeu.'
It's universal in Brazil, but it's particularly iconic in Rio de Janeiro culture.
Yes, children use it with friends and family, but they are usually taught to say 'Obrigado' to adults.
Yes, it's very common to use it as a parting word, often combined with 'falou.'
관련 표현
Obrigado
synonymThank you
Falou
similarOK / Bye
Beleza
similarCool / OK
Tranquilo
similarIt's all good
Valeu a pena
builds onIt was worth it
