Que bom que vieram

Use this when people arrive at a location. It works for groups of two or more. The word vieram is the past tense of 'to come.' Even though they just arrived, we use the past tense. It implies 'It is good that the act of coming happened.' You can say it while hugging someone. You can say it while opening the door. It’s a verbal 'welcome mat' for your guests.

Use it at your birthday party. Use it when friends arrive at a bar. It’s perfect for a family dinner. You can even use it in professional settings. If clients arrive at your office, it sounds very polite. It’s great for texting after everyone arrives. 'I'm so happy everyone is here!' is the vibe. It turns a standard greeting into a moment of connection.

Don't use it if only one person arrives. For one person, say que bom que você veio. Don't use it if you are the one arriving. That would be very confusing! Don't use it if the event is sad. For a funeral, stick to something more solemn. Avoid it if you're actually annoyed they showed up. Your sarcasm might be too strong for this sweet phrase.

Brazilians and Portuguese people value being a 'good host.' Hospitality is a major part of the social fabric. Showing enthusiasm when someone arrives is expected. It’s not just polite; it’s a social requirement. If you don't say it, you might seem cold. It reflects the 'collectivist' nature of the culture. We want everyone to feel like part of the group immediately.

If you want to be extra, say que ótimo que vieram. For a more casual vibe, try que bom que vocês chegaram. In some regions, you might hear ainda bem que vieram. This implies a bit of relief, like 'thank goodness you're here.' If you're feeling very informal, just shout que bom! while pointing at them. All of these share the same heart: happiness in company.