Olá, como vai?

Simply drop this phrase when you first see someone. You can use it as a complete sentence. Usually, the other person will smile and say Tudo bem (Everything is fine). If you want to sound extra smooth, keep your voice rising slightly at the end. It shows you actually care about the answer. Don't worry about the grammar too much yet. Just treat it as one single unit of friendliness.

You can use this phrase from sunrise to sunset. Use it when walking into a small boutique. Use it when meeting your partner's parents for the first time. It is perfect for professional emails too. If you are at a hotel check-in, this phrase is your best friend. It signals that you are polite and making an effort. It is the safest bet for any A1 learner.

Avoid using this with your absolute best friends in a loud bar. It might sound a bit too 'textbook' or stiff there. In those cases, E aí? is much more natural. Also, do not use it if you are in a massive rush. In Portugal, people might actually stop to tell you how they are! If you just want to acknowledge someone while running, a simple Olá or Oi suffices.

Portuguese culture places a high value on initial politeness. Jumping straight into business without a greeting is considered quite rude. In Brazil, this phrase often leads into a longer chat about life. In Portugal, it is a respectful social lubricant. It reflects the 'soft' nature of the language. It has been the standard greeting for generations. It bridges the gap between strangers and acquaintances beautifully.

You will often hear Olá, tudo bem? which is slightly more casual. In Brazil, Oi, como vai? is extremely common. Some people might just say Como vai você? to be more specific. If you want to be very formal, you might add a title. For example: Olá, como vai o senhor?. But for 90% of your life, the standard version is perfect.