Vai lá!

Think of it as a green light. You can say it as a standalone command. If your friend is nervous about a job interview, say Vai lá!. If someone asks if they can use your pen, you can say Vai lá. It is short, punchy, and very easy to pronounce. Just remember to sound enthusiastic when giving encouragement!

Use it in almost any daily situation. At a party, tell a friend to go talk to someone they like. In a sports match, shout it from the sidelines. It works great in text messages too. Send it when a friend shares a scary but exciting plan. It shows you are in their corner. Even at a restaurant, if a waiter asks to take your order, a quick Vai lá can mean "go ahead."

Avoid using this in very solemn or tragic situations. It is too high-energy for a funeral or a serious apology. Don't use it with a boss if the tone is strictly formal. It might sound a bit too casual or dismissive. Also, don't use it if someone is in actual physical danger. It’s for motivation, not for reckless dares.

Brazilians are generally very supportive and communal. This phrase reflects that "can-do" spirit. It’s part of the national culture of cheering others on. You’ll hear it in every football stadium in the country. It’s also common in reality TV shows during challenges. It represents the Brazilian warmth and the desire to see others succeed.

If you want to sound even more supportive, try Vai lá, arrasa! which means "Go there and crush it!". For a softer version, you can say Pode ir lá. In some regions, people might just say Vai! for short. If you are talking to a group, remember to change it to Vão lá!. But for 90% of your daily life, the standard Vai lá is perfect.