Aí

You use it to point things out physically. "The keys are aí (right there by you)." You also use it to start a conversation. Just say E aí? to ask how someone is doing. It works as a transition word too. If you are telling a story, use aí to mean "and then."

Use it when you want to sound like a local. It is perfect for texting friends or ordering coffee. Use it when you are unsure what to say next. It buys you a second to think. It is great for grabbing someone's attention across a room. Just don't shout it at your boss.

Avoid overusing it in academic writing or legal documents. It is too casual for a formal speech. Do not use it if you need to be extremely precise about locations. If something is far from both of you, use ali or lá instead. Using aí too much can make you sound like a rambling teenager.

Brazilians are masters of informal shortcuts. Aí represents the relaxed, social nature of the culture. It originated from Latin but became a rhythmic tool in Portuguese. It is the heartbeat of Rio de Janeiro's street slang. It bridges the gap between strangers and creates an instant bond.

The most famous is E aí?, the universal Brazilian greeting. You might hear Aí sim!, which means "Now we're talking!" or "Great!" There is also Por aí, meaning "around there" or "somewhere." In São Paulo, people often add a bit of melody to it. It is a small word with a huge personality.