How to Start a Work Email in Portuguese: Greetings and First Lines
Olá is a flexible opening for many Portuguese emails; add the person’s name and a direct first sentence to make your purpose clear.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Olá, followed by a person’s name, is a clear and flexible opening for many work emails: Olá, Ana. Bom dia or boa tarde can also work when the time of day fits. In a more formal message, Prezada senhora Silva or Prezado senhor Costa may suit the relationship, but many Brazilian workplaces use a less formal tone.
Choose a greeting that fits your relationship
Follow the name and greeting with a short reason for writing. For example, escrevo para confirmar a reunião (I’m writing to confirm the meeting). A useful email opening is respectful and direct; it does not need an elaborate formula.
Olá, Marina. Escrevo para confirmar nossa reunião de quinta-feira.
Hello, Marina. I’m writing to confirm our Thursday meeting.
Bom dia, equipe. Segue o relatório solicitado.
Good morning, team. Here is the requested report.
Prezada senhora Costa, agradeço o retorno.
Dear Ms. Costa, thank you for your response.
Make the first request easy to answer
If you need information, state exactly what you need and, when relevant, a deadline: você poderia enviar o arquivo até amanhã? (could you send the file by tomorrow?). A direct question is usually easier to answer than a long opening that hides the request.
Workplace habits vary by company and team, so mirror the tone of recent messages. Use a neutral greeting when you are unsure, and avoid assuming that one level of formality fits every Brazilian recipient.
Você poderia confirmar o horário até as 16h?
Could you confirm the time by 4 p.m.?
Se precisar de mais informações, fico à disposição.
If you need more information, I’m available.
Obrigada pela ajuda. Atenciosamente, Luiza.
Thank you for your help. Best regards, Luiza.
Put it into practice
Start with Olá plus a name for a flexible tone, then explain the purpose in the first sentence. Match the recipient’s workplace style and make requests specific.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Dear Ms. Costa, thank you for your response”?
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.