A2 Collocation Formal 6 min read

enorme prazer

great pleasure

Literally: Enormous pleasure

In 15 Seconds

  • A high-level 'nice to meet you' expressing deep sincerity.
  • Common in business, formal social events, and respectful messages.
  • Combines 'enorme' (enormous) and 'prazer' (pleasure) for maximum warmth.
  • Best used when meeting someone you genuinely respect or admire.

Meaning

This phrase is the gold standard of Portuguese warmth and sincerity. It moves beyond a simple 'nice to meet you' to show you are truly honored or thrilled by a situation. It carries a heavy emotional weight of genuine respect and happiness.

Key Examples

3 of 10
1

Meeting a CEO at a conference

É um enorme prazer conhecer o senhor pessoalmente.

It is a great pleasure to meet you in person.

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2

Instagram caption for a meet-and-greet

Um enorme prazer conhecer meu ídolo hoje!

A great pleasure to meet my idol today!

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3

Accepting an invite to a gala

Aceito o convite com enorme prazer.

I accept the invitation with great pleasure.

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🌍

Cultural Background

Portuguese culture, especially in Brazil, places a high value on 'cordialidade' (cordiality). This isn't just about being polite; it's about making others feel truly welcomed and significant. The use of superlatives like `enorme` reflects the 'expansive' nature of Lusophone social interactions, where emotions are often expressed with more intensity than in Germanic languages. It stems from a history of formal social hierarchies where showing deep respect through language was a vital social skill.

🎯

The 'Enormous' Smile

In Brazil, your body language must match the word. A stiff face while saying 'enorme prazer' makes you look like a robot. Smile with your eyes!

⚠️

Don't Overuse It

If you say this to every person at a party, it loses its magic. Save it for the 'VIPs' of your night.

In 15 Seconds

  • A high-level 'nice to meet you' expressing deep sincerity.
  • Common in business, formal social events, and respectful messages.
  • Combines 'enorme' (enormous) and 'prazer' (pleasure) for maximum warmth.
  • Best used when meeting someone you genuinely respect or admire.

What It Means

Imagine meeting your favorite Brazilian musician after a concert. You wouldn't just say legal. You would say é um enorme prazer. This phrase is the 'extra shot of espresso' in your politeness. It isn't just about being nice. It's about being genuinely moved by the interaction. In Portuguese, we love using big words for big feelings. Enorme is exactly that—it's bigger than muito. It suggests that the moment is special. It’s like a warm hug in word form. You use it to show high levels of respect. It also signals that you are a person of culture. It’s the difference between a high-five and a firm handshake.

How To Use It

You will mostly see this paired with the verb ser. For example, É um enorme prazer conhecer você. You can also use it with ter. Like when you say Tenho o enorme prazer de anunciar.... It works perfectly in both spoken and written forms. On WhatsApp, you might send it to a new client. In person, you say it with a big smile. Don't be shy with the pronunciation. Really lean into that 'e' in enorme. It adds to the sincerity of the moment. It's like adding sprinkles to a cupcake. Everything just gets better. Just remember to keep your tone steady. Too much excitement makes it sound sarcastic. Nobody wants a sarcastic 'enormous pleasure'.

Real-Life Examples

Think about a LinkedIn message to a potential mentor. Foi um enorme prazer conversar com você hoje. It sounds professional and deeply appreciative. Or imagine a wedding toast. É um enorme prazer ver esse casal feliz. It adds a layer of gravity to the celebration. Even in a Netflix show, a detective might say it. É um enorme prazer finalmente prendê-lo. Okay, maybe that's a bit dramatic. But you get the point! It’s for moments that matter. Use it when you want to leave a lasting impression. It’s better than any business card. In Brazil, it’s common in formal television interviews. The host always starts with É um enorme prazer receber você.

When To Use It

Use it when the stakes are high. Job interviews are the perfect playground for this. It shows you take the opportunity seriously. Use it when meeting elders or people in high positions. It shows you have excellent manners. It’s also great for social media captions. Post a photo with a famous friend. Caption: Um enorme prazer passar o dia com ele. It’s also suitable for formal emails. When someone helps you with a big task, use it. It’s the ultimate 'thank you' upgrade. Think of it as your 'fancy' vocabulary. You don't wear a tuxedo to buy milk. You don't use this phrase for the pizza guy. Save it for the five-star moments of your life.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid using this in very casual settings with close friends. If you say enorme prazer to your best friend, they’ll laugh. They might ask if you’ve joined a Victorian secret society. It’s too heavy for a casual 'hang out'. Also, don't use it for mundane tasks. É um enorme prazer lavar a louça sounds like a lie. Unless you really love soap suds. Using it too often makes it lose its value. It’s like a rare spice. A little bit makes the dish amazing. Too much makes it inedible. Also, avoid it if you are actually angry. Sarcastic politeness is a dangerous game in Brazil. Stay away from it in fast-food drive-thrus.

Common Mistakes

Learners often try to translate literally from English. They might say grande prazer. While grande is okay, it feels a bit 'corporate'. It lacks the emotional 'punch' of enorme. Another mistake is forgetting the article um. Don't say ✗ É enorme prazer. Say ✓ É um enorme prazer. It flows much better. Some people also mix up the gender. Prazer is masculine, so enorme stays as it is. But never use uma with it. Also, watch out for the 'e' at the end. It’s not 'enormy'. It’s a soft 'ee' sound or silent depending on the region.

Grande prazer te conhecer Enorme prazer em te conhecer.
É uma enorme prazer É um enorme prazer.

Similar Expressions

If enorme prazer feels too heavy, try muito prazer. This is the standard 'nice to meet you'. It’s safe and common. If you want to sound even more formal, use um imenso prazer. Imenso is like the cousin of enorme. It’s very literary and elegant. For something a bit more modern, try que prazer!. It’s shorter and punchier for social media. In Portugal, you might hear um gosto. It’s their version of 'a pleasure'. Each one has a slightly different 'flavor'. Choose the one that fits your current 'vibe'. Like choosing the right emoji for a text. Context is everything.

Common Variations

You can flip the structure for emphasis. Um prazer enorme! sounds more spontaneous. It’s like an exclamation of joy. You can also add adverbs. É, de fato, um enorme prazer. This makes you sound very sophisticated. Some people say Foi um prazer enorme. This is perfect for the end of a meeting. It leaves the door open for future contact. You might also hear Com enorme prazer. Use this when accepting an invitation. 'Will you come to my party?' 'Com enorme prazer!'. It shows you are genuinely excited to go. It’s much better than just saying 'yes'.

Memory Trick

💡

Think of the word 'Enormous'. Now imagine a giant, smiling heart. This heart is so big it can barely fit in the room. That is your enorme prazer. Whenever you see someone you respect, visualize that giant heart. The word prazer sounds a bit like 'praise'. You are 'praising' the moment because it is so 'enormous'. It’s the 'Big Heart' phrase. If the heart is small, use muito prazer. If the heart is giant and wearing a tuxedo, use enorme prazer. Easy, right? Just don't let the heart step on your toes.

Quick FAQ

Is it too formal? Sometimes, but it’s usually seen as very polite. Can I use it in an email? Yes, it’s perfect for professional correspondence. Is it common in Portugal? Yes, though they have their own variations too. Does it mean 'sexy'? No, in this context, it is strictly about social enjoyment. Can I say it to a waiter? Only if the service was truly life-changing. Should I say it to my boss? Yes, it’s a great way to show respect. Is it better than 'legal'? Way better. 'Legal' is for a cool shirt. Enorme prazer is for a person you value.

Usage Notes

This is a high-register collocation. It is perfect for professional settings, meeting people you admire, or formal social events. The main 'gotcha' is using it in too casual a context, which can make you sound sarcastic or strangely formal.

🎯

The 'Enormous' Smile

In Brazil, your body language must match the word. A stiff face while saying 'enorme prazer' makes you look like a robot. Smile with your eyes!

⚠️

Don't Overuse It

If you say this to every person at a party, it loses its magic. Save it for the 'VIPs' of your night.

💬

Portuguese Politeness

In Portugal, you might hear 'um gosto'. 'Enorme prazer' is understood but can feel very 'Brazilian' (more emotional) if used too intensely.

💡

Email Closer

Looking for a great email sign-off after a good meeting? 'Foi um enorme prazer conversar com você' is unbeatable.

Examples

10
#1 Meeting a CEO at a conference
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É um enorme prazer conhecer o senhor pessoalmente.

It is a great pleasure to meet you in person.

Shows high respect for someone in a superior position.

#2 Instagram caption for a meet-and-greet
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Um enorme prazer conhecer meu ídolo hoje!

A great pleasure to meet my idol today!

Casual but intense emotion for social media.

#3 Accepting an invite to a gala
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Aceito o convite com enorme prazer.

I accept the invitation with great pleasure.

A very elegant way to say 'yes' to a formal event.

#4 Ending a job interview on Zoom
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Foi um enorme prazer conversar com a equipe.

It was a great pleasure talking to the team.

Leaves a strong, positive professional impression.

#5 Meeting your partner's parents for the first time
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É um enorme prazer finalmente conhecer vocês.

It's a great pleasure to finally meet you.

Warm and sincere for a high-stakes family meeting.

#6 WhatsApp message after a first date
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

O jantar foi ótimo, foi um enorme prazer te ver.

Dinner was great, it was a great pleasure seeing you.

Slightly formal but very sweet for a romantic context.

#7 A YouTuber thanking their 100k subscribers
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

É um enorme prazer ter vocês aqui no canal.

It is a great pleasure to have you here on the channel.

Connects deeply with a large audience.

Common learner error - wrong adjective Common Mistake
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✗ Foi um grande prazer te conhecer. → ✓ Foi um enorme prazer te conhecer.

It was a big pleasure to meet you. → It was an enormous pleasure to meet you.

'Grande' is okay, but 'enorme' is much warmer and more idiomatic for high praise.

Common learner error - missing article Common Mistake
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

✗ É enorme prazer estar aqui. → ✓ É um enorme prazer estar aqui.

Is enormous pleasure to be here. → It is an enormous pleasure to be here.

The indefinite article 'um' is required for the phrase to sound natural.

#10 Telling a joke at a party
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

É um enorme prazer... mas meu chefe não acha o mesmo!

It's a great pleasure... but my boss doesn't think the same!

Using formality to create a humorous contrast.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: enorme

In this collocation, 'enorme' is the standard adjective to elevate the level of pleasure.

Choose the correct option

Which sentence is more formal and warm?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: É um enorme prazer conhecê-lo.

While 'muito prazer' is polite, 'enorme prazer' adds significant warmth and formality.

Find and fix the error

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

'Prazer' is a masculine noun, so the article must be 'um'.

Put the words in correct order

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

The standard order is Verb (É) + Article (um) + Adjective (enorme) + Noun (prazer).

Fill in the blank

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: enorme

'Com enorme prazer' is a common way to enthusiastically accept an invitation.

Translate this sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

'Foi' is the past tense of 'ser', used here to describe the completed interaction.

Choose the correct option

How would you say 'It's an enormous pleasure' on a formal TV show?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: É um enorme prazer.

This is the most standard and elegant way to express this sentiment in a formal setting.

Find and fix the error

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

After 'de', you must use the infinitive form of the verb 'anunciar'.

Match phrases with meanings

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

Different levels of 'prazer' match different levels of formality.

Put the words in correct order

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

This complex sentence combines the phrase with a direct object pronoun 'lo' and an adverb 'aqui'.

Translate this sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

The conditional 'seria' is used for polite requests or hypothetical situations.

Fill in the blank

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: enorme

'Enorme' is the most professional and warm choice for a business welcome.

🎉 Score: /12

Visual Learning Aids

Formality Levels of 'Pleasure' in Portuguese

Casual

Used with friends or peers.

Prazerzão!

Standard

Safe for any everyday meeting.

Muito prazer.

Polite

Elevated and respectful.

Um prazer enorme.

Formal

Top-tier respect and sincerity.

É um enorme prazer.

Where to use 'Enorme Prazer'

Enorme Prazer
💼

Job Interview

Ending the talk with the boss.

🌟

Meeting Idols

At a fan event or backstage.

🍽️

Formal Dinner

Meeting the hosts for the first time.

🥂

Wedding Toast

Congratulating the couple.

📧

Business Email

Closing a message to a new partner.

Enorme vs. Grande vs. Imenso

Phrase
Grande prazer A bit cold/corporate
Enorme prazer Warm and very common
Imenso prazer Literary and very formal

Usage Categories

🗣️

Verbs to Use

  • É um...
  • Foi um...
  • Tenho o...
  • Com...
📍

Where to say

  • Conferences
  • Gala Events
  • LinkedIn
  • First Dates

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Fill in the blank Fill Blank beginner

É um ___ prazer conhecer você.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: enorme

In this collocation, 'enorme' is the standard adjective to elevate the level of pleasure.

Choose the correct option Choose beginner

Which sentence is more formal and warm?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: É um enorme prazer conhecê-lo.

While 'muito prazer' is polite, 'enorme prazer' adds significant warmth and formality.

Find and fix the error Error Fix beginner

Find and fix the mistake:

É uma enorme prazer estar aqui.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: É um enorme prazer estar aqui.

'Prazer' is a masculine noun, so the article must be 'um'.

Put the words in correct order Reorder beginner

Arrange the words in the correct order:

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: É um enorme prazer

The standard order is Verb (É) + Article (um) + Adjective (enorme) + Noun (prazer).

Fill in the blank Fill Blank intermediate

Aceito seu convite com ___ prazer.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: enorme

'Com enorme prazer' is a common way to enthusiastically accept an invitation.

Translate this sentence Translate intermediate

It was a great pleasure to talk to you.

Hints: Foi, enorme, conversar

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Foi um enorme prazer conversar com você.

'Foi' is the past tense of 'ser', used here to describe the completed interaction.

Choose the correct option Choose intermediate

How would you say 'It's an enormous pleasure' on a formal TV show?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: É um enorme prazer.

This is the most standard and elegant way to express this sentiment in a formal setting.

Find and fix the error Error Fix intermediate

Find and fix the mistake:

Tenho o enorme prazer de anuncia o vencedor.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tenho o enorme prazer de anunciar o vencedor.

After 'de', you must use the infinitive form of the verb 'anunciar'.

Match phrases with meanings Match advanced

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

Different levels of 'prazer' match different levels of formality.

Put the words in correct order Reorder advanced

Arrange the words in the correct order:

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: É um enorme prazer vê-lo aqui

This complex sentence combines the phrase with a direct object pronoun 'lo' and an adverb 'aqui'.

Translate this sentence Translate advanced

It would be a great pleasure to receive your feedback.

Hints: Seria, enorme, receber

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Seria um enorme prazer receber seu feedback.

The conditional 'seria' is used for polite requests or hypothetical situations.

Fill in the blank Fill Blank advanced

Para nós, é um ___ prazer recebê-lo em nossa empresa.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: enorme

'Enorme' is the most professional and warm choice for a business welcome.

🎉 Score: /12

Frequently Asked Questions

20 questions

No, it is not limited to just meeting new people. You can use it when accepting invitations, doing a favor, or even just seeing someone you haven't seen in a long time. It is a general expression of high-level social satisfaction and respect.

Using it with close friends might sound a bit ironic or overly formal unless it is a very special occasion. For friends, a simple 'Que bom te ver!' or 'Prazerzão!' is usually much more natural and fits the casual vibe better.

The word 'prazer' is masculine, so the adjective 'enorme' doesn't change based on the speaker's gender. Both men and women say 'É um enorme prazer'. You do not need to worry about changing the ending of the words here.

In most parts of Brazil, it sounds like 'ee-NOR-mee'. In Portugal, the 'e' at the end is very short or almost silent. The most important part is to emphasize the 'NOR' syllable, which is where the strength of the word lies.

It is used in both countries, but Brazilians tend to use these high-intensity adjectives more frequently in daily life. In Portugal, people might opt for 'um grande gosto' or 'um prazer' without the 'enorme' unless it is a truly formal situation.

No, you should avoid saying 'muito enorme'. 'Enorme' is already a superlative adjective, meaning it inherently contains the idea of 'very'. Adding 'muito' before it is redundant and sounds grammatically incorrect to a native speaker's ears.

Yes, it is actually one of the best phrases for a formal business email. It strikes the perfect balance between being professional and showing genuine warmth, which is highly valued in Lusophone business cultures compared to the colder English style.

While both mean 'big', 'enorme' carries more emotional weight and sounds more sincere in this specific collocation. 'Grande prazer' can sometimes sound a bit robotic or like a canned response, whereas 'enorme' feels like you really mean it.

It is very common on social media, especially when influencers meet fans or celebrities post about an event. It works great in captions to show that you value the moment or the person you are with in the photo.

While 'prazer' can mean physical pleasure in other contexts, in the phrase 'enorme prazer', it is almost always social. It is not inherently romantic, though you could certainly say it to someone you are interested in to show you really enjoyed their company.

You can do both! At the beginning, you use 'É um enorme prazer' to set a positive tone. At the end, you use 'Foi um enorme prazer' to wrap up the interaction and leave a lasting good impression on everyone involved.

Both are correct and very common. Putting 'enorme' before the noun ('enorme prazer') sounds slightly more formal and 'standard', while putting it after ('prazer enorme') can feel a bit more spontaneous and enthusiastic, like you are reacting to the moment.

Yes, but usually only in a special context, like if they did something amazing for you. If you haven't seen an old mentor in years, saying 'é um enorme prazer vê-lo' shows that your respect for them has remained strong over time.

In Portugal, 'É um gosto' is a very common alternative that means almost the same thing. In Brazil, however, 'um gosto' is rarely used in this way and might sound confusing. If you are in Brazil, stick to 'prazer' for social interactions.

The most common and polite reply is 'O prazer é todo meu' (The pleasure is all mine). You can also say 'Igualmente' (Likewise) for a shorter, but still polite, response. Both show that you value the interaction just as much as they do.

Usually, we use 'um' (a pleasure). Using 'o' (the pleasure) makes it sound very specific. For example, 'Tenho o prazer de anunciar...' (I have the pleasure of announcing...). For greetings, 'um' is much more natural and common.

Absolutely. It is highly recommended to use this phrase at the end of an interview. It shows that you are not only a qualified candidate but also a person with excellent social skills and a respectful attitude toward the company's culture.

Portuguese culture often uses 'polidez' (politeness) as a social lubricant. Even if you aren't thrilled, saying 'enorme prazer' is often expected in formal settings. It is considered a social grace rather than a literal statement of your current internal mood.

Not at all. While it is formal, it doesn't sound like something from a 19th-century novel. It is still very much part of modern, professional, and respectful speech in all Portuguese-speaking countries today, especially in official or high-status contexts.

Yes, it can be very charming on a first date. It shows that you are a gentleman or a lady with good manners. It adds a bit of 'class' to the interaction, which can be a great way to differentiate yourself from more casual or sloppy dates.

Related Phrases

😊

Muito prazer

informal version

Nice to meet you (standard)

This is the everyday, neutral version that everyone uses for basic introductions.

👔

Um imenso prazer

formal version

An immense pleasure

This is even more formal and literary, often found in speeches or very high-level writing.

🔗

O prazer é todo meu

related topic

The pleasure is all mine

This is the most common and polite response when someone tells you it's a pleasure to meet you.

🌍

Um gosto

regional variant

A pleasure

Very common in European Portuguese (Portugal) as a standard way to say they enjoyed meeting you.

😊

Prazerzão

informal version

Big pleasure (slang)

A very casual, Brazilian slang version used among friends to show high levels of excitement.

🔄

Encantado

synonym

Charmed / Delighted

A slightly old-fashioned but very elegant synonym often used in formal social introductions.

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