Meaning
To perform exceptionally well or to be very good at something.
Cultural Background
Praising others is a key social lubricant. Using 'mandar bem' makes you seem 'gente boa' (a nice person). While understood, it's recognized as a 'Brasileirismo'. Locals might use 'estiveste bem'. Angolan Portuguese often adopts Brazilian slang due to the influence of soap operas (telenovelas). In games like League of Legends or Free Fire, 'mandou bem' is the standard compliment for a good play.
Use the past tense
Even if someone just finished, use 'mandou bem'. It sounds more like a reaction to their success.
Avoid with bosses
Unless you have a very close relationship, use 'Parabéns pelo trabalho' instead.
Meaning
To perform exceptionally well or to be very good at something.
Use the past tense
Even if someone just finished, use 'mandou bem'. It sounds more like a reaction to their success.
Avoid with bosses
Unless you have a very close relationship, use 'Parabéns pelo trabalho' instead.
The 'Benzão' factor
Adding '-zão' makes you sound very much like a local from Rio or São Paulo.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Nossa, você _______ muito bem na guitarra ontem!
Since the event happened 'ontem' (yesterday), we use the past tense 'mandou'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to praise a friend's cooking?
Como elogiar o jantar de um amigo?
'Mandou muito bem' is the correct idiom; 'enviou' is too literal, and 'mandou bom' is grammatically incorrect.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Eu consegui o emprego!' B: 'Parabéns, cara! Você _______!'
'Mandou bem' is the appropriate praise for getting a job.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Where to Mandar Bem
Skills
- • Música
- • Esportes
- • Cozinha
Work
- • Reuniões
- • Relatórios
- • Vendas
Practice Bank
3 exercisesNossa, você _______ muito bem na guitarra ontem!
Since the event happened 'ontem' (yesterday), we use the past tense 'mandou'.
Como elogiar o jantar de um amigo?
'Mandou muito bem' is the correct idiom; 'enviou' is too literal, and 'mandou bom' is grammatically incorrect.
A: 'Eu consegui o emprego!' B: 'Parabéns, cara! Você _______!'
'Mandou bem' is the appropriate praise for getting a job.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, they will understand you perfectly, but it might sound a bit 'Brazilian'.
Not at all! It's very positive, just informal.
The opposite is 'mandar mal' (to do poorly).
Related Phrases
Arrasar
synonymTo rock / To slay
Dar um show
similarTo put on a show
Mandar mal
contrastTo mess up / To do poorly
Mandar brasa
builds onTo go for it
