E aí?

You can use it as a standalone greeting or pair it with a name. Simply walk up to someone and say E aí? with a rising intonation. It also works as a filler when you want to prompt someone to continue a story. If a friend stops talking mid-sentence, a quick E aí? means 'And then what happened?' It is also very common in digital spaces. Your WhatsApp inbox will likely be full of these two words.

Use it every single day with people you know. Use it with the barista at your favorite cafe. Use it when you see a friend across the street. It is perfect for casual encounters and social gatherings. If you are joining a group of friends at a bar, a general E aí, galera? covers everyone at once. It’s the perfect way to sound like a local without trying too hard.

Avoid this phrase in highly formal settings. Do not say E aí? to a judge in court or during a very serious job interview. It might come across as too relaxed or even disrespectful in those rare moments. If you are meeting your partner's very traditional grandparents for the first time, stick to Olá or Tudo bem? until the ice melts. You don't want to look like you just rolled off a surfboard in a tuxedo.

This expression captures the relaxed, informal nature of Brazilian social life. It reflects a culture that values immediate connection and warmth over rigid protocol. While it is used all over Brazil, the accent might change. In Rio, it might sound more like 'E aííí?'. In São Paulo, it’s often quick and sharp. It became the universal 'cool' greeting in the late 20th century and hasn't left the throne since.

You will often hear E aí, beleza? which means 'What's up, everything good?' Another common one is E aí, tudo certo?. If you want to sound even more informal, you might hear Eae!, which is the phonetic spelling often used in text messages. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a high-five or a friendly nod.