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A2 noun #5,000 most common 9 min read

bom êxito

Top 5,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips bom êxito in 30 Seconds

Explanation bom êxito in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'bom êxito' is a bit advanced, but you can learn it as a fixed phrase. Think of it as a polite way to say 'good luck' or 'good result.' You might use it in very simple sentences like 'Eu quero bom êxito' (I want good success) or 'Ele tem bom êxito' (He has good success). At this stage, just focus on the fact that 'bom' means good and 'êxito' means success. Don't worry too much about the complex grammar; just treat it as a 'chunk' of language to use when you want to be extra polite. Remember that 'êxito' is a masculine word, so we always use 'bom' and not 'boa.' You might see this on posters or in simple greetings. It's a great way to start sounding more like a native speaker early on by using a more specific word than just 'bom.'

At the A2 level, you should start using 'bom êxito' in specific contexts, especially when talking about school, work, or hobbies. You can now use it with verbs like 'ter' (to have) and 'desejar' (to wish). For example, 'Eu desejo bom êxito no seu teste' (I wish you good success in your test). You should also be aware of the preposition 'no' or 'na' that follows it. You are moving beyond simple 'good/bad' and starting to describe outcomes. This is the stage where you learn that 'êxito' is not 'exit.' You can practice by writing short notes to friends or colleagues wishing them success in their projects. Understanding the difference between 'sucesso' (general) and 'bom êxito' (specific result) starts here.

By B1, you should be comfortable using 'bom êxito' in both spoken and written Portuguese. You can incorporate it into more complex sentences with conjunctions. For example, 'Apesar das dificuldades, a equipa alcançou um bom êxito na apresentação' (Despite the difficulties, the team achieved a good success in the presentation). You should understand that this phrase has a formal nuance. You can use it in business emails and formal letters. You also start to recognize it in news articles and more formal media. Your pronunciation should be clear, placing the stress correctly on the 'ê'. You can also start comparing 'êxito' with related words like 'conquista' and 'triunfo' to choose the most appropriate one for your context.

At the B2 level, you use 'bom êxito' naturally and accurately across various registers. You understand its idiomatic weight and can use it in professional debates or academic discussions. You can use it as a subject of a sentence: 'O bom êxito da iniciativa depende da colaboração de todos' (The success of the initiative depends on everyone's collaboration). You are aware of the subtle differences between 'êxito' and 'sucesso' and choose 'êxito' when you want to emphasize the 'outcome' or 'result' of a specific action. You can also use it in the plural ('bons êxitos') when referring to multiple successful outcomes. Your writing should reflect the ability to use this phrase to create a professional and encouraging tone.

At the C1 level, you have a nuanced understanding of 'bom êxito'. You can use it in sophisticated rhetorical contexts. You might use it to discuss the philosophical implications of success or in complex legal and administrative documents. You recognize its use in classical literature and can appreciate how authors use it to describe the resolution of a plot. You can also use it in more abstract ways, such as 'o êxito de uma ideia' (the success of an idea). You are able to use the phrase to convey precisely the right amount of formality and respect. You might also use it in public speaking to congratulate someone in a way that sounds both sincere and authoritative. Your command of the phrase is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker.

At the C2 level, 'bom êxito' is just one of many tools in your vast linguistic repertoire. You can play with the phrase, perhaps using it ironically or in highly specific technical contexts. You have a deep understanding of its etymology and historical development in the Portuguese language. You can use it in high-level literary analysis or when drafting legislation. You understand the regional variations in its usage across the different countries of the CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries). For you, the phrase is not just a vocabulary item but a cultural marker that you use with absolute precision and stylistic flair. You can effortlessly switch between 'bom êxito', 'pleno êxito', and other variations to achieve specific stylistic effects.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

bom êxito in 30 Seconds

Bom êxito means a favorable outcome or a successful result of a specific effort.
It is more formal than the word 'sucesso' and is often used in business or academic settings.
The phrase is masculine (o bom êxito) and should not be confused with the English word 'exit'.
Commonly used with verbs like 'ter' (to have), 'obter' (to obtain), and 'desejar' (to wish).

The Portuguese term bom êxito is a sophisticated noun phrase that translates directly to 'good success' or 'favorable outcome.' While the word 'sucesso' is the most direct translation for the English word 'success,' bom êxito carries a specific weight, often used to describe the successful conclusion of a specific task, project, or endeavor. It is deeply rooted in the idea of a 'result' (êxito) that meets or exceeds expectations. In Portuguese, 'êxito' comes from the Latin 'exitus,' meaning 'departure' or 'outcome.' Therefore, when you wish someone 'bom êxito,' you are literally wishing them a 'good way out' or a 'positive result' from a situation they are currently navigating.

Formal Context: In professional environments, this phrase is the standard for wishing colleagues luck on a presentation or a deal. It sounds more professional and polished than the simpler 'boa sorte' (good luck).

Espero que o seu novo projeto tenha bom êxito junto dos investidores.

When we look at the usage patterns across the Lusophone world, 'bom êxito' is frequently found in academic writing, legal documents, and formal correspondence. It suggests a level of seriousness and intentionality. For an English speaker, think of it as the difference between saying 'I hope it goes well' and 'I wish you a successful outcome.' The latter feels more structured and certain. This distinction is crucial for A2 learners who are beginning to move beyond basic conversational Portuguese into more varied social and professional settings. Using 'bom êxito' correctly demonstrates a command of register—the ability to adjust your language based on who you are talking to.

Nuance of Outcome: The word 'êxito' alone can sometimes imply a result regardless of quality, but it is almost always used positively. Adding 'bom' reinforces that the result is specifically favorable.

Desejamos bom êxito na sua nova etapa profissional.

Furthermore, the phrase is often paired with verbs like 'alcançar' (to reach/achieve) or 'ter' (to have). It is not just about the state of being successful, but about the process of achieving that state. In European Portuguese, you might hear this slightly more often in formal letters than in Brazilian Portuguese, where 'sucesso' is very dominant, though 'bom êxito' remains perfectly understood and widely used in Brazil in formal speech and journalism.

O tratamento médico teve bom êxito e o paciente está recuperado.

Using bom êxito requires understanding its role as a noun phrase. It typically functions as the direct object of a verb or as part of a prepositional phrase. Because it is a masculine noun phrase ('o êxito'), any accompanying adjectives or articles must agree in gender. For example, you would say 'um bom êxito' (a good success) or 'o bom êxito' (the good success). When constructing sentences, it is most common to place it after verbs like 'ter' (to have), 'obter' (to obtain), 'alcançar' (to reach), or 'desejar' (to wish).

Verb Pairing: Desejar: This is perhaps the most common way learners will use the phrase. 'Desejo-lhe bom êxito' (I wish you good success).

A empresa obteve bom êxito na expansão para o mercado europeu.

Another important aspect is the preposition that often follows 'êxito'. Usually, we use 'em' (in) or 'de' (of) to specify what the success relates to. For instance, 'êxito na vida' (success in life) or 'êxito do plano' (success of the plan). When 'em' meets the definite article 'o' or 'a', it becomes 'no' or 'na'. So, 'bom êxito no exame' means 'good success in the exam.' This structure is vital for building complex sentences that describe specific achievements.

In more advanced constructions, 'bom êxito' can be used as a subject. 'O bom êxito da missão dependia de todos' (The success of the mission depended on everyone). Here, the phrase acts as the anchor of the sentence. Notice how the adjective 'bom' stays before 'êxito' in almost all standard usages; while Portuguese often puts adjectives after nouns, 'bom' is one of those common adjectives that frequently precedes the noun to provide a more subjective or emphatic quality.

Para garantir o bom êxito da reunião, prepare todos os documentos.

Negative Constructions: While you can say 'mau êxito' (bad success/failure), it is much more common to simply say 'falta de êxito' (lack of success) or 'insucesso'.

Não tivemos bom êxito na primeira tentativa, mas continuaremos a tentar.

You will hear bom êxito in various facets of Lusophone life, particularly where formal results are expected. In a Portuguese university, a professor might end a lecture before finals by saying, 'Desejo a todos bom êxito nos exames.' This is a standard, polite way to encourage students. In the business world, during a board meeting or a presentation of annual results, a CEO might say, 'Alcançámos um bom êxito este trimestre,' highlighting the positive metrics achieved by the company.

O apresentador de televisão desejou bom êxito aos concorrentes do programa.

In news broadcasts (Jornal Nacional in Brazil or Telejornal in Portugal), journalists use this phrase when reporting on diplomatic missions, scientific breakthroughs, or economic policies. For example, 'A missão espacial teve bom êxito na sua acoplagem' (The space mission had success in its docking). It provides a level of precision that 'sucesso' sometimes lacks in journalistic registers. You'll also find it in literature, where authors use it to describe the culmination of a character's efforts or the favorable turn of a plot point.

In social settings, if a friend is about to undergo surgery or start a difficult journey, 'bom êxito' serves as a more profound wish than 'boa sorte.' It implies that you are wishing for the process to work as intended. It's common in formal emails too. When signing off a business email to someone who just mentioned a new venture, 'Com votos de bom êxito' is a classic and very professional closing statement.

No final da carta, ele escreveu: 'Desejo-lhe bom êxito nos seus negócios.'

Media Usage: Newspapers often headline with phrases like 'Bom êxito na operação policial' to signal a successful outcome of a complex event.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with bom êxito is confusing 'êxito' with 'exit.' Because they look similar, many learners mistakenly think 'êxito' means a way out of a building. In Portuguese, 'exit' (the physical door) is 'saída.' 'Êxito' is a false cognate in the sense that while it comes from the same root meaning 'to go out,' it specifically refers to the *result* of an action, not the physical exit. Another common error is using the feminine 'boa' instead of the masculine 'bom.' Since 'êxito' ends in 'o,' it is masculine: bom êxito, never boa êxito.

Errado: Onde é o êxito de emergência? (Incorrect usage as 'exit')

Learners also struggle with the placement of the adjective. While you can say 'êxito bom,' it sounds much more natural and idiomatic to say 'bom êxito.' In Portuguese, certain adjectives like 'bom,' 'mau,' 'grande,' and 'pequeno' often move before the noun to add a layer of emphasis or subjective evaluation. Saying 'êxito bom' sounds like you are classifying the success against a list of 'bad successes,' which doesn't make much sense. 'Bom êxito' functions as a single conceptual unit.

Finally, avoid overusing 'bom êxito' in very casual, slang-heavy environments. If you are at a party and want to tell a friend 'Good luck with that girl/guy,' saying 'Desejo-te bom êxito' will sound hilariously formal, almost like you are a 19th-century diplomat. In those cases, 'boa sorte' or 'vai na fé' (Brazilian slang) is much more appropriate. Use 'bom êxito' when there is a clear, defined objective or a professional/academic context.

Preposition Errors: Don't say 'êxito para o teste.' Instead, use 'êxito no teste.' The success is 'in' the activity.

Correto: Tivemos bom êxito no trabalho de grupo.

While bom êxito is a fantastic phrase to have in your vocabulary, it's essential to know its synonyms to avoid repetition and to match the tone of your conversation. The most common alternative is sucesso. 'Sucesso' is universal and can be used in any context, from a hit song ('um grande sucesso') to a successful career. While 'bom êxito' focuses on the 'result,' 'sucesso' is broader and can refer to the state of being famous or wealthy as well.

Sucesso vs. Êxito: Use 'sucesso' for general popularity or long-term achievement. Use 'bom êxito' for the successful completion of a specific task or mission.

Another synonym is triunfo (triumph). This word is much more dramatic and is usually reserved for major victories, like winning a war, a championship, or overcoming a massive obstacle. If 'bom êxito' is a 7/10 on the intensity scale, 'triunfo' is a 10/10. On the other hand, conquista (conquest/achievement) refers specifically to something you worked hard to get, like a degree or a promotion. You 'reach' a bom êxito, but you 'make' a conquista.

A conquista do diploma foi o seu maior êxito pessoal.

For more informal situations, you might use the verb phrase dar certo (to work out/to go right). Instead of saying 'Espero que tenhas bom êxito,' you could say 'Espero que dê tudo certo.' This is the most common way to express the same sentiment in daily life among friends and family. It's less about the 'success' and more about things 'going the right way.'

Summary of Alternatives

Sucesso: General, very common.
Triunfo: Grandiose, epic.
Conquista: Hard-won achievement.
Dar certo: Informal, everyday use.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'êxito' and the English word 'exit' share the exact same Latin root, but their meanings diverged: English kept the physical 'way out', while Portuguese focused on the 'final result'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /bõ ˈezitu/

US /bõ ˈezitoʊ/

The stress is on the first syllable of 'êxito' (ê-xi-to). It is a proparoxytone word.

Rhymes With

exército mérito débito hábito súbito dígito vômito âmbito

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'êxito' like 'exit' in English.
Forgetting the nasal sound in 'bom'.
Stressing the second syllable (ex-I-to) instead of the first.
Pronouncing the 'x' as 'ks' (like 'taxi')—in 'êxito', the 'x' is pronounced like a 'z' sound.
Changing the 'ê' to an open 'é' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts once you know it's not 'exit'.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct spelling with the accent and masculine agreement.

Speaking 3/5

The pronunciation of the 'x' as 'z' and the nasal 'bom' can be tricky.

Listening 2/5

Usually clear in formal speech, but fast speakers might blend the words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

bom sucesso ter desejar trabalho

Learn Next

conquista triunfo alcançar obter desempenho

Advanced

consecução êxito retumbante malogro contingência

Grammar to Know

Gender agreement with masculine nouns.

O bom êxito (not A boa êxito).

Placement of adjectives like 'bom' before the noun.

Bom êxito (sounds more natural than êxito bom).

Use of the circumflex accent to mark stressed closed vowels.

Êxito (the 'ê' is stressed and closed).

Contraction of prepositions (em + o = no).

Êxito no trabalho.

Subjunctive mood after verbs of wishing/hoping.

Desejo que tenhas bom êxito.

Examples by Level

Desejo bom êxito.

I wish good success.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

O êxito é bom.

The success is good.

Using 'êxito' as a subject with the verb 'to be'.

Eu tenho bom êxito.

I have good success.

Using the verb 'ter' (to have).

Bom êxito no trabalho!

Good success at work!

A common short wish/exclamation.

Ela quer bom êxito.

She wants good success.

Using 'querer' (to want).

Nós temos bom êxito.

We have good success.

First person plural conjugation.

O teste teve bom êxito.

The test had good success.

The thing itself is the subject.

Bom êxito para você.

Good success to you.

Using the preposition 'para' (to/for).

Desejo-lhe bom êxito na sua viagem.

I wish you good success on your trip.

Use of the indirect object pronoun 'lhe'.

Espero que tenhas bom êxito no exame.

I hope you have good success in the exam.

Introduction of the subjunctive mood with 'esperar que'.

O projeto não teve bom êxito.

The project did not have good success.

Simple negation with 'não'.

Eles alcançaram bom êxito com a música.

They achieved good success with the music.

Using the verb 'alcançar' (to achieve/reach).

Para ter bom êxito, é preciso estudar.

To have good success, it is necessary to study.

Using 'para' + infinitive to show purpose.

O bom êxito depende de você.

The good success depends on you.

Using 'depender de'.

Queremos garantir o bom êxito da festa.

We want to guarantee the good success of the party.

Using 'garantir' (to guarantee).

Tivemos bom êxito na nossa apresentação.

We had good success in our presentation.

Past tense 'tivemos' (we had).

Apesar de ser difícil, tivemos bom êxito no final.

Despite being difficult, we had good success in the end.

Use of 'apesar de' (despite).

É fundamental que o plano tenha bom êxito.

It is fundamental that the plan has good success.

Impersonal expression + subjunctive.

O bom êxito da empresa deve-se ao trabalho de todos.

The company's success is due to everyone's work.

Use of the reflexive 'deve-se' (is due to).

Se estudares mais, terás bom êxito com certeza.

If you study more, you will have good success for sure.

Future conditional sentence.

Gostaria de lhe desejar bom êxito no seu novo cargo.

I would like to wish you good success in your new position.

Conditional 'gostaria' for politeness.

O filme obteve bom êxito de bilheteira em Portugal.

The movie obtained good box office success in Portugal.

Using 'obter' (to obtain/get).

Não podemos garantir o bom êxito da operação.

We cannot guarantee the success of the operation.

Modal verb 'poder' in the negative.

O bom êxito de um negócio depende de muitos fatores.

The success of a business depends on many factors.

Abstract generalization.

O bom êxito da iniciativa foi amplamente divulgado pela imprensa.

The success of the initiative was widely reported by the press.

Passive voice with 'foi divulgado'.

Duvido que a proposta venha a ter bom êxito no parlamento.

I doubt the proposal will have success in parliament.

Subjunctive after 'duvidar que'.

O bom êxito não deve subir-lhe à cabeça.

Success should not go to your head.

Idiomatic expression 'subir à cabeça'.

Para assegurar o bom êxito, convém rever todos os detalhes.

To ensure success, it's advisable to review all details.

Using 'convém' (it is advisable/convenient).

O bom êxito na vida não se mede apenas pelo dinheiro.

Success in life is not measured only by money.

Reflexive 'se mede' (is measured).

O empenho de todos foi crucial para o bom êxito da missão.

Everyone's commitment was crucial for the mission's success.

Adjective 'crucial' for emphasis.

Apesar do ceticismo inicial, o projeto teve bom êxito.

Despite initial skepticism, the project was successful.

Contrast using 'apesar do'.

O bom êxito escolar é fruto de muita disciplina.

School success is the result of much discipline.

Metaphorical use of 'fruto' (fruit/result).

A complexidade da tarefa punha em causa o seu bom êxito.

The complexity of the task jeopardized its success.

Expression 'pôr em causa' (to jeopardize/question).

O bom êxito da reforma depende de uma conjuntura favorável.

The success of the reform depends on a favorable situation.

Use of 'conjuntura' (juncture/situation).

Raramente um empreendimento desta envergadura tem bom êxito imediato.

Rarely does an undertaking of this scale have immediate success.

Adverbial focus with 'raramente'.

O bom êxito da negociação reside na flexibilidade das partes.

The success of the negotiation lies in the flexibility of the parties.

Using 'residir em' (to lie in/reside in).

Não obstante os riscos, o plano teve pleno e bom êxito.

Notwithstanding the risks, the plan was fully successful.

Formal conjunction 'não obstante'.

O autor descreve o bom êxito do protagonista com subtileza.

The author describes the protagonist's success with subtlety.

Literary analysis context.

O bom êxito das políticas públicas é aferido por indicadores sociais.

The success of public policies is measured by social indicators.

Formal verb 'aferir' (to measure/assess).

A obtenção de bom êxito exige uma resiliência inabalável.

Achieving success requires unwavering resilience.

Abstract noun 'obtenção' and adjective 'inabalável'.

O bom êxito da empreitada estava intrinsecamente ligado à logística.

The success of the undertaking was intrinsically linked to logistics.

Adverb 'intrinsecamente'.

Poder-se-á questionar se o bom êxito justifica os meios empregues.

One might question whether the success justifies the means employed.

Future passive with 'poder-se-á'.

O bom êxito de tal manobra diplomática é quase sem precedentes.

The success of such a diplomatic maneuver is almost unprecedented.

Expression 'sem precedentes'.

A efemeridade do bom êxito é um tema recorrente na filosofia.

The ephemerality of success is a recurring theme in philosophy.

Abstract noun 'efemeridade'.

O bom êxito da obra reside na sua capacidade de transcender gerações.

The work's success lies in its ability to transcend generations.

Infinitive 'transcender'.

Apesar do bom êxito aparente, subsistem dúvidas quanto à sua sustentabilidade.

Despite apparent success, doubts remain regarding its sustainability.

Formal verb 'subsistir'.

O bom êxito de uma tradução mede-se pela sua fidelidade ao original.

The success of a translation is measured by its fidelity to the original.

Passive reflexive 'mede-se'.

Auguro-lhe bom êxito em todos os seus futuros cometimentos.

I augur (predict/wish) you success in all your future endeavors.

Highly formal verb 'augurar'.

Common Collocations

ter bom êxito

alcançar bom êxito

obter bom êxito

desejar bom êxito

bom êxito escolar

bom êxito profissional

garantir o bom êxito

com bom êxito

votos de bom êxito

falta de bom êxito

Common Phrases

Desejo-lhe bom êxito.

— A standard formal wish for success in a task or project.

No final da reunião, ele disse: 'Desejo-lhe bom êxito.'

Com bom êxito.

— Used to describe how something was completed successfully.

A missão terminou com bom êxito.

Ter todo o bom êxito.

— To have complete or total success.

Espero que o teu negócio tenha todo o bom êxito.

Alcançar o bom êxito.

— To reach or achieve the desired successful result.

Foi difícil, mas alcançámos o bom êxito.

Votos de bom êxito.

— A formal closing phrase for letters or speeches.

Aceite os meus votos de bom êxito.

Bom êxito nos estudos.

— A specific wish for success in academic pursuits.

Desejo-te bom êxito nos estudos este ano.

Bom êxito na vida.

— A general wish for someone to do well in life.

O mais importante é ter bom êxito na vida.

Garantia de bom êxito.

— Something that ensures a positive outcome.

O planeamento é a garantia de bom êxito.

Caminho para o bom êxito.

— The steps or route taken to become successful.

O trabalho árduo é o caminho para o bom êxito.

Sem bom êxito.

— Unsuccessfully; without the desired result.

Tentaram abrir a porta, mas sem bom êxito.

Often Confused With

bom êxito vs exit

Êxito means success, not a physical exit (which is 'saída').

bom êxito vs exitar

In some dialects, 'exitar' is a rare verb for succeeding, but 'hesitar' (to hesitate) sounds very similar.

bom êxito vs sucesso

While similar, 'sucesso' is more general and 'bom êxito' is more about a specific result.

Idioms & Expressions

"Subir o êxito à cabeça"

— To become arrogant due to success.

Depois da promoção, o êxito subiu-lhe à cabeça.

Informal

"Coroar de êxito"

— To complete something with a great final success.

O esforço foi coroado de êxito.

Formal/Literary

"Êxito de bilheteira"

— A box office hit (movie or play).

O novo filme é um êxito de bilheteira.

Neutral

"Chave do êxito"

— The key to success.

A organização é a chave do êxito.

Neutral

"Fazer êxito"

— To be successful or popular in a social setting.

Ela fez muito êxito na festa.

Neutral

"Êxito passageiro"

— Fleeting success; fame that doesn't last.

Não te iludas com esse êxito passageiro.

Neutral

"Colher os frutos do êxito"

— To enjoy the benefits of one's success.

Agora ele está a colher os frutos do êxito.

Neutral

"Pôr em causa o êxito"

— To jeopardize the chances of success.

A chuva pode pôr em causa o êxito do evento.

Neutral

"Êxito estrondoso"

— A resounding or spectacular success.

O concerto foi um êxito estrondoso.

Neutral

"Fórmula do êxito"

— The 'formula' or method for success.

Não existe uma fórmula mágica para o êxito.

Neutral

Easily Confused

bom êxito vs saída

Looks like 'exit'.

'Saída' is a physical exit from a room. 'Êxito' is success.

A saída está ali, mas o êxito está no fim do projeto.

bom êxito vs hesitar

Sounds like 'êxito' in some pronunciations.

'Hesitar' means to hesitate. 'Êxito' means success.

Não deve hesitar se quiser ter bom êxito.

bom êxito vs sucesso

They are synonyms.

'Sucesso' is for general popularity; 'êxito' is for a specific outcome.

A banda faz sucesso, mas o concerto de ontem foi um bom êxito técnico.

bom êxito vs conquista

Both mean achieving something.

'Conquista' is the thing you gained; 'êxito' is the fact that you succeeded.

A conquista do troféu foi um grande êxito.

bom êxito vs triunfo

Both mean success.

'Triunfo' is much more dramatic and rare.

A vitória na guerra foi um triunfo, mas o acordo de paz foi um bom êxito.

Sentence Patterns

Eu quero [noun].

Eu quero bom êxito.

Desejo-lhe [noun] em [activity].

Desejo-lhe bom êxito no teste.

Espero que [subject] tenha [noun].

Espero que o plano tenha bom êxito.

O [noun] depende de [factor].

O bom êxito depende do estudo.

Apesar de [difficulty], alcançámos [noun].

Apesar dos riscos, alcançámos bom êxito.

O [noun] é aferido por [metric].

O bom êxito é aferido pelos lucros.

Any

Com [noun].

A missão terminou com bom êxito.

Any

Votos de [noun].

Aceite os meus votos de bom êxito.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in formal speech, writing, and professional contexts; moderate in casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Boa êxito → Bom êxito
Êxito is a masculine noun, so it requires the masculine adjective 'bom'.
Onde é o êxito? → Onde é a saída?
Using 'êxito' to mean a physical exit door is incorrect; that is 'saída'.
Êxito para o teste → Êxito no teste
In Portuguese, you have success 'in' something, using the preposition 'em' (no/na).
Exito (without accent) → Êxito
The accent is mandatory for both pronunciation and correct spelling in Portuguese.
Ter bom êxito de vida → Ter bom êxito na vida
The correct idiomatic preposition for life context is 'na' (in life).

Tips

Masculine Agreement

Always pair 'êxito' with masculine adjectives like 'bom', 'grande', or 'primeiro'.

Formal Writing

Use 'bom êxito' in emails to professors or bosses to sound more educated and respectful.

The 'Z' Sound

Practice saying 'ê-zi-to' slowly to master the 'z' sound of the 'x'.

Business Context

In a job interview, say 'Busco ter bom êxito nas minhas tarefas' to impress the interviewer.

Regional Use

In Portugal, you might see 'Bom Êxito' as a name for places or streets; it's a very positive cultural term.

The 'Result' Link

Associate 'êxito' with 'exit' only in the sense of 'the end result' of a process.

Email Closings

Use 'Com votos de bom êxito' as a professional alternative to 'Atenciosamente'.

News Reports

Listen to Portuguese news (RTP) or Brazilian news (Globo) to hear the phrase in its most natural formal setting.

Avoid Slang

Don't use 'bom êxito' when talking to kids about a video game; it sounds too serious!

Preposition 'No'

Always remember to use 'no' (in the) after 'bom êxito' when specifying the activity.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'Exit' sign at the end of a long, difficult race. When you reach the 'Exit' (êxito), you have successfully finished the task. If you do it well, it's a 'Bom Êxito'!

Visual Association

Imagine a businessman crossing a finish line that is shaped like a giant letter 'X' (for êxito) and someone handing him a 'Bom' (good) trophy.

Word Web

sucesso resultado final vitória bom meta trabalho estudo

Challenge

Write three sentences about a goal you have, using 'bom êxito' in each one to describe the outcome you want.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'exitus', which means 'a going out', 'departure', or 'end/result'. It comes from 'exire' (to go out).

Original meaning: The original meaning in Latin was the physical act of exiting or the termination of a life (death), which evolved into the 'outcome' of an event.

Romance (Latin origin).

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivities, but using it in very casual settings might make you sound overly stiff or 'posh'.

English speakers often use 'success' for everything. Portuguese speakers use 'bom êxito' to sound more professional or to focus on a specific task's result.

Used in official speeches by the President of Portugal. Commonly found in the prefaces of Portuguese academic textbooks. The 'Shopping Cidade do Bom Êxito' (hypothetical/common name type).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Academic

Bom êxito nos exames
Êxito escolar
Alcançar bom êxito na tese
Desejar bom êxito aos alunos

Business

Bom êxito comercial
Obter bom êxito na negociação
Garantir o bom êxito do contrato
Votos de bom êxito profissional

Medical

A cirurgia teve bom êxito
Bom êxito no tratamento
Recuperação com bom êxito
Garantir o êxito da operação

Social

Bom êxito na nova casa
Desejo bom êxito no casamento
Ter bom êxito na viagem
Fazer bom êxito na festa

Diplomatic/Legal

Bom êxito da missão
O êxito da lei
Alcançar bom êxito no acordo
Êxito diplomático

Conversation Starters

"Como você garante o bom êxito nos seus estudos?"

"Você já teve um projeto que não teve bom êxito no início?"

"O que significa ter bom êxito para você?"

"Você prefere desejar 'boa sorte' ou 'bom êxito' aos seus amigos?"

"Qual foi o seu maior bom êxito profissional até agora?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um momento em que você alcançou um bom êxito inesperado.

Quais são os três passos necessários para ter bom êxito na aprendizagem de línguas?

Reflexão sobre a diferença entre ter bom êxito e ser feliz.

Escreva sobre um plano que você está a fazer para garantir o bom êxito de um objetivo pessoal.

Como você lida com a falta de bom êxito em algumas tarefas?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it's more formal. It's like saying 'I wish you a successful outcome.' Use 'boa sorte' for casual luck.

It is always masculine: 'o êxito'. Therefore, you must use 'bom' and not 'boa'.

The 'x' is pronounced like a 'z' sound, as in the English word 'zebra'.

Yes, it is common in formal situations, news, and professional writing in Brazil, though 'sucesso' is used more in daily conversation.

Yes, 'bons êxitos' is used when referring to multiple successful results or achievements.

'Sucesso' is general and can mean fame. 'Êxito' is specific to a result or outcome of an action.

No. This is a false friend. 'Êxito' means success. 'Exit' (the door) is 'saída' in Portuguese.

Because it is a proparoxytone word (the stress is on the third-to-last syllable), and in Portuguese, all proparoxytone words must have an accent.

You can, but it's rare. People usually say 'falta de êxito' or 'insucesso' for failure.

It is a noun phrase. 'Bom' is the adjective and 'êxito' is the noun.