Você foi incrível!

Simply drop it after someone finishes a task or event. If you are talking to a woman, use incrível exactly the same way. The word incrível is gender-neutral, which makes your life much easier! You can add mesmo at the end for extra punch. For example, Você foi incrível mesmo! means "You were really incredible!"

Use it when a friend kills it at karaoke. Use it when a colleague gives a flawless presentation. It is perfect for texting after a great first date. If your barista makes the best latte ever, say it. It works best right after the 'incredible' thing happens. It creates an instant bond and shows you were paying attention.

Don't use it for ongoing personality traits. For that, use Você é incrível (You are incredible). Foi implies a specific completed action or event. Avoid using it for very minor things, like someone passing the salt. It might sound sarcastic if the effort was tiny. Also, keep it for people you actually like. Saying it to a strict boss might feel a bit too personal.

Brazilians and Portuguese speakers are generally very expressive and warm. Giving compliments is a social lubricant in these cultures. Being 'incredible' isn't just about talent; it's about the energy you bring. It reflects the cultural value of calor humano (human warmth). It's a way of saying "I see your effort and I love it."

If you want to sound more casual, try Você arrasou! (You smashed it!). For a more formal vibe, use Seu desempenho foi excelente. In Portugal, you might hear Foste incrível because they use tu more often. In Brazil, Você foi is the standard for almost everyone. If they were beyond incredible, try Você foi sensacional!