The Most Common Way to Say Good Luck in Portuguese
Boa sorte
The direct translation and most widely used phrase for “good luck” in Portuguese is boa sorte. This phrase is simple, easy to remember, and can be used in almost any situation where you want to wish someone success or good fortune.
For example:
- Você tem uma entrevista amanhã? Boa sorte! (You have an interview tomorrow? Good luck!)
- Vai fazer a prova? Boa sorte! (Are you taking the test? Good luck!)
Other Ways to Wish Good Luck in Portuguese
While “boa sorte” is universally understood, native speakers often use other expressions depending on the context. Here are a few alternatives:
Vai dar certo
This phrase translates to “It will work out” and is often used to encourage someone who is feeling nervous or uncertain.
- Não se preocupe, vai dar certo! (Don’t worry, it will work out!)
Estou torcendo por você
Meaning “I’m rooting for you,” this expression conveys support and encouragement, similar to wishing someone good luck.
- Estou torcendo por você no jogo! (I’m rooting for you in the game!)
Força!
“Força” means “Strength!” and is used to give someone a boost of confidence before a challenge. It’s less about luck and more about encouraging resilience.
- Força na apresentação! (Good luck with the presentation!)
Que tudo corra bem
This phrase means “May everything go well,” and it’s used to wish someone a smooth experience, often before important events.
- Que tudo corra bem na sua viagem! (May everything go well on your trip!)
Portuguese Good Luck Expressions: European vs. Brazilian
Both European Portuguese (spoken in Portugal) and Brazilian Portuguese (spoken in Brazil) use “boa sorte” as the standard phrase for “good luck.” However, you might notice slight variations in informal expressions and slang. Brazilians often use more playful and supportive phrases like “estou torcendo por você,” while in Portugal, you may hear “força” or “coragem” (“courage”) more frequently. Regardless of the region, “boa sorte” is always appropriate and well-received.
When to Use “Boa Sorte” and Other Expressions
Knowing when to use each expression can help you sound more natural and considerate in Portuguese:
- Before exams, interviews, or competitions: “boa sorte” or “vai dar certo”
- When someone is facing a challenge: “força” or “coragem”
- To show ongoing support: “estou torcendo por você”
- Before a trip or event: “que tudo corra bem”
Practice Makes Perfect
To get comfortable using these phrases, try incorporating them into your daily language practice. On Talkpal, you can engage in real-life scenarios and conversations with AI, helping you memorize and pronounce these expressions naturally. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become in wishing friends, colleagues, and new acquaintances good luck in Portuguese.
Conclusion
Wishing someone “good luck” in Portuguese is as easy as saying “boa sorte,” but with a few extra phrases in your vocabulary, you can express encouragement and support in a variety of situations. Explore these expressions on your language learning journey with Talkpal, and soon you’ll sound just like a native speaker!
