Bem merecido!
Littéralement: Well merited!
Use this to celebrate someone's success when you know they worked hard for it.
En 15 secondes
- Used to celebrate someone's hard-earned success or rewards.
- Works in both professional and casual social settings.
- Focuses on the effort behind the achievement, not luck.
Signification
This is what you say when someone gets exactly what they deserve, usually a great reward or a long-awaited success. It is the Portuguese way of saying 'Well deserved!' or 'You earned it!'
Exemples clés
3 sur 6A friend gets a promotion
Parabéns pelo novo cargo, foi bem merecido!
Congrats on the new position, it was well deserved!
A colleague finishes a hard project
Agora você pode descansar. Bem merecido!
Now you can rest. Well deserved!
Texting a friend about their vacation
Aproveite as férias! Bem merecido!
Enjoy the holidays! Well deserved!
Contexte culturel
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, acknowledging someone's merit is a key social lubricant. It moves the focus from envy to shared joy. It became a staple in both professional settings and family gatherings as a way to celebrate resilience.
The 'S' Rule
If you are talking about things in the plural, like 'vacations' (férias), the phrase doesn't usually change in casual speech, but technically it's 'bem merecidas'.
Avoid Sarcasm
Be careful with your tone. In Brazil and Portugal, saying this when someone fails can be seen as very aggressive 'karma' talk.
En 15 secondes
- Used to celebrate someone's hard-earned success or rewards.
- Works in both professional and casual social settings.
- Focuses on the effort behind the achievement, not luck.
What It Means
Bem merecido is a phrase of validation. It confirms that the universe is in balance. You use it when someone’s hard work finally pays off. It is the verbal equivalent of a high-five or a warm hug. It says: 'I saw your effort, and I am glad you won.'
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone exclamation. Just shout Bem merecido! when a friend wins the lottery. Okay, maybe not the lottery, but a promotion. You can also add it to the end of a sentence. Use it to reinforce a compliment. It works perfectly after hearing good news. It is short, punchy, and always carries positive energy.
When To Use It
Use it at a restaurant when a friend finally gets that perfect steak. Use it in a meeting when a colleague’s project is approved. It is great for texting after someone posts a graduation photo. Use it when your sibling finally finishes a marathon. It is the ultimate 'good vibes' phrase for any victory.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for pure luck. If someone finds twenty euros on the street, it is not bem merecido. That is just sorte (luck). Avoid using it sarcastically unless you want to start a fight. In Portuguese, sarcasm can bite hard. If someone trips after being mean, saying bem merecido is a major insult. Stick to the happy moments for now.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture places a high value on effort and 'suor' (sweat). People love to see others succeed through persistence. There is a deep respect for the 'long game.' This phrase reflects that respect for the journey. It is not just about the prize. It is about the person who earned it. It bridges the gap between formal praise and genuine friendship.
Common Variations
You might hear Muito merecido for extra emphasis. It means 'Very deserved.' Some people say Mais do que merecido. This translates to 'More than deserved.' If you are talking about a person, you say Ele merece (He deserves it). But Bem merecido remains the classic, go-to gold standard.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is incredibly versatile and safe. It sits in the 'neutral' zone, meaning you can't really go wrong with it in 99% of situations. Just ensure the recipient actually put in some effort!
The 'S' Rule
If you are talking about things in the plural, like 'vacations' (férias), the phrase doesn't usually change in casual speech, but technically it's 'bem merecidas'.
Avoid Sarcasm
Be careful with your tone. In Brazil and Portugal, saying this when someone fails can be seen as very aggressive 'karma' talk.
The Merit Culture
Portuguese speakers love celebrating the 'batalhador' (the fighter/struggler). Using this phrase shows you value their struggle.
Exemples
6Parabéns pelo novo cargo, foi bem merecido!
Congrats on the new position, it was well deserved!
Adds a layer of respect to a standard 'congrats'.
Agora você pode descansar. Bem merecido!
Now you can rest. Well deserved!
Linking the reward (rest) to the effort.
Aproveite as férias! Bem merecido!
Enjoy the holidays! Well deserved!
Commonly used for well-earned breaks.
Finalmente comprou o sorvete? Bem merecido!
Finally bought the ice cream? Well deserved!
Using it for small, funny 'victories'.
Você lutou tanto por isso. É muito bem merecido.
You fought so hard for this. It is very well deserved.
Adding 'muito' for deeper emotional impact.
Este prêmio é bem merecido pelo seu trabalho este ano.
This award is well deserved for your work this year.
Standard formal recognition.
Teste-toi
Your friend just graduated after 5 years of study. What do you say?
Parabéns pela formatura! Foi ___ ___!
Graduation is a result of long-term effort, making 'bem merecido' the perfect fit.
Choose the best intensifier for a huge achievement.
Você ganhou o primeiro lugar? É ___ do que merecido!
'Mais do que merecido' (More than deserved) is the common way to amplify the praise.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Bem merecido!'
Texting friends or family
Férias? Bem merecido!
Standard social interactions
Parabéns, bem merecido!
Speeches or professional emails
O reconhecimento é bem merecido.
When to say 'Bem merecido!'
Promotion
New office!
Graduation
Diploma in hand
Sports
Winning a trophy
Self-care
A day at the spa
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot really. It implies effort. For luck, use Que sorte! or Parabéns! instead.
Yes, it is very common. You can write Seu sucesso é bem merecido to a client or colleague.
Muito merecido is just more intense. It's like saying 'Extremely well deserved' instead of just 'Well deserved'.
No, because merecido refers to the achievement (the 'it'), not the person. It stays merecido regardless of who you are talking to.
You can, but it's risky. It sounds like 'You got what was coming to you' in a negative way, like Bem feito!.
Yes, it is universally understood and used across the entire Lusophone world.
You would say Você merece! or Tu mereces!. Bem merecido is more about the situation/result.
It is safe for a boss. It shows respect for their position and the work they put in to get there.
There isn't a direct opposite, but people might say Que injusto! (How unfair!) if someone worked hard but failed.
If you hiked for 5 hours to get to a restaurant, then yes, that meal is bem merecido!
Expressions liées
Bem feito!
Well done! (But often used as 'Serves you right!')
Você merece!
You deserve it!
Mais do que merecido!
More than deserved!
Fez por merecer.
You earned it / You worked for it.
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