How to Respond to a Compliment in Brazilian Portuguese
A warm thank-you is enough. Add a short response or return the compliment when it feels sincere and appropriate.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
The easiest reply is Obrigado (if the speaker is a man) or Obrigada (if the speaker is a woman). The ending agrees with the person saying thank you, not the person receiving the compliment. You can add muito to make it more emphatic: Muito obrigado or Muito obrigada.
Start with a simple thank-you
A compliment does not require a long answer. A smile and a clear thank-you are natural in many situations. If you are learning Portuguese and someone praises your effort, you can acknowledge the kindness without claiming to be fluent.
Sua apresentação ficou ótima.
Your presentation was great.
Muito obrigada! Fico feliz que você gostou.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you liked it. (speaker: woman)
Seu português está melhorando bastante.
Your Portuguese is improving a lot.
Add a short response that fits the situation
You can say Que bom! (That’s good!) or Fico feliz (I’m glad) when a compliment refers to a result or experience. If someone compliments an object or dish you made, say Ainda bem que você gostou (I’m glad you liked it). These replies keep the exchange friendly and brief.
You may hear imagina after a thank-you, but it is usually a response to gratitude rather than a direct reply to a compliment. Use expressions according to what the other person said, not as interchangeable ways to say “you’re welcome.”
Que bom que você gostou do jantar!
I’m glad you liked dinner!
Fico feliz que a explicação ajudou.
I’m glad the explanation helped.
Obrigada pelo elogio. Eu pratiquei bastante.
Thank you for the compliment. I practiced a lot. (speaker: woman)
Return a compliment when you mean it
A sincere return compliment can extend the conversation: Você também está muito elegante (You look very elegant too). Choose something you genuinely noticed, such as a helpful presentation or a welcoming space. You do not need to invent a compliment just to balance the exchange.
If the compliment is about your Portuguese, responding with humility is optional. Você é muito gentil (You’re very kind) works when you want to acknowledge the person’s encouragement, but it is not the only appropriate answer.
Obrigado! Você também está muito elegante.
Thank you! You look very elegant too. (speaker: man)
Que gentil da sua parte. Eu ainda estou aprendendo.
That’s kind of you. I’m still learning.
Sua ideia também foi ótima.
Your idea was great too.
Put it into practice
Practice a two-line exchange: accept the compliment with obrigado or obrigada, then add one short response. Return a compliment only when it is true.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Your presentation was great”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.