In 15 Seconds
- A versatile exclamation meaning 'Wonderful' or 'Great'.
- Used to show enthusiastic agreement or satisfaction.
- Works in both casual chats and professional settings.
Meaning
It is a vibrant way to say 'Wonderful!' or 'Great!' when something goes exactly right. You use it to show genuine enthusiasm or agreement with a plan.
Key Examples
3 of 6Confirming a meeting time
Às duas horas? Maravilha, estarei lá!
At two o'clock? Great, I'll be there!
Reacting to good news from a friend
Você passou na prova? Maravilha!
You passed the test? Wonderful!
Tasting great food
Esta feijoada está uma maravilha.
This feijoada is a wonder.
Cultural Background
The word has deep roots in the Age of Discovery, used to describe the 'wonders' of the new world. Today, it is a staple of Brazilian 'Alegria' (joy), popularized by iconic samba songs and legendary TV presenters like Chacrinha. It represents the cultural tendency to look at the bright side of life.
The Sarcastic Twist
If you say it with a sigh and rolling eyes, it means 'Oh great, another problem.' Brazilians love this ironic use!
The 'Tudo' Connection
You will often hear `Tudo maravilha?` as a variation of `Tudo bem?`. It's like asking 'Is everything wonderful?'
In 15 Seconds
- A versatile exclamation meaning 'Wonderful' or 'Great'.
- Used to show enthusiastic agreement or satisfaction.
- Works in both casual chats and professional settings.
What It Means
Maravilha is your go-to word for pure positivity. It literally translates to 'marvel' or 'wonder.' In daily life, it functions like 'Awesome!' or 'Brilliant!' It signals that you are happy with an outcome. It is more energetic than a simple bom (good). It carries a sense of relief or total satisfaction.
How To Use It
You can use it as a one-word exclamation. It stands perfectly fine on its own. You can also use it to confirm a plan. If someone suggests meeting at 8 PM, just say Maravilha!. It sounds much more enthusiastic than just saying okay. You can also use it to describe a thing. For example, Este café está uma maravilha (This coffee is a wonder).
When To Use It
Use it when you get good news. Use it when the waiter brings a delicious plate of food. It is perfect for texting friends when they confirm a party. It works well in business when a project is finished. It is the verbal equivalent of a high-five. Use it when you want to sound like a local who loves life.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it in very somber or tragic situations. Don't say it if someone is sharing a problem. It can sound sarcastic if you use a flat tone. If your boss says you have to work late, don't say Maravilha unless you want to be fired. It is a high-energy word, so don't over-use it for tiny, boring things. Even positivity has its limits!
Cultural Background
Brazilians and Portuguese people value warmth and expressiveness. Maravilha reflects this sunny disposition. It is deeply rooted in the idea of 'wonder' which is a big part of Lusophone poetry. It became a pop-culture staple through famous songs and TV hosts. It captures the 'Tudo bem' spirit but levels it up. It feels classic, timeless, and always welcome.
Common Variations
You might hear Que maravilha! for extra emphasis. In slang, some people might just say Massa! or Top!. But Maravilha is the gold standard for everyone. You can also say Uma maravilha to describe a person or experience. It is the 'Little Black Dress' of Portuguese adjectives—it never goes out of style.
Usage Notes
It is a neutral-to-informal expression that fits almost anywhere. Just watch your tone—enthusiasm makes it sincere, while a flat tone makes it sarcastic.
The Sarcastic Twist
If you say it with a sigh and rolling eyes, it means 'Oh great, another problem.' Brazilians love this ironic use!
The 'Tudo' Connection
You will often hear `Tudo maravilha?` as a variation of `Tudo bem?`. It's like asking 'Is everything wonderful?'
Gender Agreement
As a noun, `maravilha` is always feminine. Even if you are a man, you say 'Que maravilha!' never 'maravilho'.
Examples
6Às duas horas? Maravilha, estarei lá!
At two o'clock? Great, I'll be there!
Shows enthusiastic confirmation of a schedule.
Você passou na prova? Maravilha!
You passed the test? Wonderful!
Expresses shared joy for a friend's success.
Esta feijoada está uma maravilha.
This feijoada is a wonder.
Used as a noun to describe high quality.
O sol apareceu! Maravilha! ☀️
The sun came out! Awesome!
Commonly used in texts with emojis for emphasis.
Esqueci minha chave... Maravilha, viu?
I forgot my key... Great, just great.
Tone of voice changes this to irony.
Chegar em casa é uma maravilha.
Getting home is a wonderful thing.
Conveys a sense of comfort and emotional relief.
Test Yourself
Your friend says they found a 20 euro bill on the street. How do you respond?
___! Que sorte a sua!
`Maravilha` is the best choice to celebrate someone's good luck.
Complete the sentence to describe a beautiful beach.
Esta praia é uma ___.
When used with 'uma', you need the noun form `maravilha`.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Range of Maravilha
Used with friends and family constantly.
Maravilha, cara!
The sweet spot for this phrase.
Maravilha, obrigado.
Acceptable in polite business settings.
Isso seria uma maravilha.
Where to use Maravilha
At a Restaurant
The food is perfect.
Office
The deal is signed.
Texting
Plans are confirmed.
Nature
Seeing a sunset.
Practice Bank
2 exercises___! Que sorte a sua!
`Maravilha` is the best choice to celebrate someone's good luck.
Esta praia é uma ___.
When used with 'uma', you need the noun form `maravilha`.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means 'Wonder' or 'Marvel' as a noun, but as an exclamation, it means 'Wonderful!' or 'Great!'
Not at all! It is very common in casual conversation. You'll hear it at bars, beaches, and football matches.
Yes, it is perfectly safe for professional environments to show positive energy. For example: O relatório ficou pronto? Maravilha!
Maravilha is a noun/exclamation, while maravilhoso is the adjective. You say Que maravilha! but O dia está maravilhoso.
It's mah-rah-VEE-lyah. The 'lh' sound is like the 'lli' in 'million'.
It is used in both! However, Brazilians tend to use it with a bit more frequency and high-pitched enthusiasm.
Yes, if you say Ela é uma maravilha, you mean she is a wonderful person or very helpful.
Younger people might use Show! or Top!, but Maravilha is a classic that never feels old-fashioned.
Indirectly, yes! If someone asks 'Can we meet later?', responding with Maravilha! implies a very enthusiastic 'Yes!'
Never. It is one of the safest, most positive words in the Portuguese language.
Related Phrases
Que bom!
How good! / That's great!
Beleza!
Beauty! (Used as 'Cool' or 'Okay')
Espetáculo!
Spectacle! (Used as 'Amazing!')
Show de bola!
Ball show! (Brazilian slang for 'Fantastic!')
