Exit vs. Êxito: How to Say ‘Exit’ and ‘Success’ in Portuguese
On a sign, exit is saída. Êxito means success, so the accent and context matter.
Real Life Portuguese · 4 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
The Portuguese word for an exit is saída. You will see it on signs and hear it in directions. Saída can also mean departure or a way out, depending on the sentence.
Look for saída when you need an exit
Onde fica a saída?
Where is the exit?
A saída de emergência fica à direita.
The emergency exit is on the right.
Understand êxito as success
Êxito means success or a successful result, and it is more formal than sucesso in many everyday contexts. The expression ter êxito means to succeed, but it does not refer to leaving a place.
O projeto teve êxito depois de várias tentativas.
The project succeeded after several attempts.
A apresentação foi um sucesso.
The presentation was a success.
Notice the accent and surrounding words
Saída has an acute accent on í; êxito has a circumflex on ê. Check whether the sentence is about a door or a result. That context usually makes the intended word obvious.
Siga as placas até a saída do estacionamento.
Follow the signs to the parking garage exit.
A campanha foi um êxito.
The campaign was a success.
Put it into practice
Exit is saída; êxito means success.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “The emergency exit is on the right”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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