B2 Expression Neutral 2 min read

Agradeço de coração

Literally: I thank from heart

Use this when a simple 'obrigado' feels too small for the kindness you received.

In 15 Seconds

  • A deeply sincere way to say thank you.
  • Translates to 'I thank you from my heart'.
  • Used for meaningful favors and emotional moments.

Meaning

This is a heartfelt way to say 'thank you from the bottom of my heart.' It shows you are truly touched by someone's kindness, not just being polite.

Key Examples

3 of 6
1

After a friend helps you move houses all day

Muito obrigado pela ajuda com a mudança, agradeço de coração!

Thank you so much for the help with the move, I thank you from my heart!

🤝
2

A colleague covers your shift during a family emergency

Agradeço de coração por ter me coberto hoje.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for covering for me today.

💼
3

Receiving a very thoughtful birthday gift

Esse presente é lindo! Agradeço de coração.

This gift is beautiful! I thank you from my heart.

💭
🌍

Cultural Background

In Lusophone cultures, the heart is seen as the seat of sincerity rather than just romance. This expression stems from the 'cordial' nature of the people, where personal bonds are prioritized over cold transactions. It is a linguistic hug that reinforces social ties.

💡

Eye Contact Matters

When saying this in person, maintain soft eye contact. It proves the 'heart' part is real and not just a rehearsed phrase.

⚠️

Don't Overuse It

If you use it for every small thing, it loses its magic. Save it for the moments that actually touch your soul.

In 15 Seconds

  • A deeply sincere way to say thank you.
  • Translates to 'I thank you from my heart'.
  • Used for meaningful favors and emotional moments.

What It Means

Agradeço de coração is more than a simple thank you. It signals that someone’s gesture really moved you. You aren't just saying the words; you are feeling them. It is the difference between a quick nod and a warm hug. Use it when someone goes out of their way for you.

How To Use It

You can use it as a standalone sentence or at the end of a message. It works perfectly when someone gives you a thoughtful gift. It also fits when a colleague helps you meet a tough deadline. Just say Agradeço de coração with a sincere smile. You don't need to add much else to it. The phrase carries all the weight of your gratitude.

When To Use It

Use it for meaningful favors or emotional support. If a friend listens to your problems for hours, this is the phrase. If a neighbor watches your dog during an emergency, use this. It’s great for wedding thank-you cards or birthday messages too. It makes the recipient feel seen and appreciated. It turns a transaction into a real human connection.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use it for trivial things like someone passing the salt. That would feel a bit dramatic and awkward. Avoid it if you are being sarcastic or angry. It’s too sincere for a 'thanks for nothing' vibe. Also, keep it for people you actually like or respect. Using it with a bitter enemy might feel very strange.

Cultural Background

Brazilians and Portuguese speakers are generally very expressive and warm. The 'heart' is the center of all social interactions in these cultures. Being 'cordial' literally comes from the Latin word for heart. This phrase reflects that deep-rooted cultural value of emotional sincerity. It’s a verbal bridge that connects two people's feelings. It’s been a staple of the language for generations.

Common Variations

You might hear Muito obrigado, de coração for extra emphasis. Some people say Te agradeço de coração to make it more personal. In casual texts, you might see Valeu mesmo, de coração! with an emoji. All of these keep that same 'heartfelt' core meaning. They just adjust the 'volume' of the gratitude.

Usage Notes

This phrase sits in a 'sweet spot' of neutrality. It is polite enough for a boss but warm enough for a best friend. Just ensure the situation warrants deep gratitude.

💡

Eye Contact Matters

When saying this in person, maintain soft eye contact. It proves the 'heart' part is real and not just a rehearsed phrase.

⚠️

Don't Overuse It

If you use it for every small thing, it loses its magic. Save it for the moments that actually touch your soul.

💬

The 'Cordial' Brazilian

Brazilians often use 'de coração' because they value 'cordialidade' (acting from the heart). It is a key part of the national identity.

Examples

6
#1 After a friend helps you move houses all day
🤝

Muito obrigado pela ajuda com a mudança, agradeço de coração!

Thank you so much for the help with the move, I thank you from my heart!

Perfect for high-effort favors.

#2 A colleague covers your shift during a family emergency
💼

Agradeço de coração por ter me coberto hoje.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for covering for me today.

Shows professional but deep appreciation.

#3 Receiving a very thoughtful birthday gift
💭

Esse presente é lindo! Agradeço de coração.

This gift is beautiful! I thank you from my heart.

Expresses genuine delight.

#4 Texting a group of friends who supported you
😊

Gente, valeu pelo apoio. Agradeço de coração a todos!

Guys, thanks for the support. I thank you all from my heart!

Warm and inclusive for a group chat.

#5 A waiter finds your lost wallet and returns it
💭

Você salvou meu dia! Agradeço de coração.

You saved my day! I thank you from my heart.

Used when someone goes above and beyond their duty.

#6 Accepting a compliment you didn't expect
👔

Fico lisonjeado com suas palavras, agradeço de coração.

I'm flattered by your words, I thank you from my heart.

Slightly more formal and very elegant.

Test Yourself

Choose the best phrase to thank someone for a life-changing favor.

Você me ajudou muito nessa fase difícil. ___, de coração.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Agradeço

The verb 'agradecer' matches the 'de coração' sentiment perfectly for deep gratitude.

Complete the sentence to sound natural and warm.

Muito obrigado pelo convite, ___ de coração!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: agradeço

'Agradeço de coração' is the standard fixed expression for heartfelt thanks.

🎉 Score: /2

Visual Learning Aids

Gratitude Intensity Scale

Valeu

Quick, casual thanks to a friend.

Passing a soda.

Obrigado

Standard polite thank you.

At a store.

Agradeço de coração

Deep, sincere gratitude.

Life-changing help.

Eternamente grato

Extremely formal/dramatic.

Saving a life.

Where to use 'Agradeço de coração'

Heartfelt Thanks
🏥

Family Support

After a long hospital stay.

🎁

Gift Giving

Receiving a handmade present.

💼

Work Favors

A mentor giving career advice.

🏠

Hospitality

Being hosted in someone's home.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not at all! It is neutral. While it sounds more polished than valeu, it is very common among close friends for serious moments.

Yes, especially if a client or partner did something exceptional. It adds a nice human touch to professional writing.

Muito obrigado is just 'thank you very much.' Agradeço de coração adds an emotional layer, saying the thanks comes from your soul.

No, it is gender-neutral. Both men and women use agradeço (the verb) the same way.

Yes! Obrigado de coração is actually even more common in spoken Portuguese than the version starting with the verb agradeço.

Only if they did something very kind for you. If a stranger helps you find a lost child, it is perfect. For directions, it's too much.

No, it is a timeless expression. People of all ages use it when they want to be sincere.

If someone cooked a huge, amazing meal for you, yes. If they just gave you a cookie, stick to obrigado.

You can say Agradeço do fundo do meu coração (I thank you from the bottom of my heart). It's very emotional.

Not exactly, but people might say Valeu demais, de coração! to keep it very informal and 'street'.

Related Phrases

Grato(a) pela atenção

Thank you for your attention (formal/emails).

Valeu mesmo

Thanks a lot (informal/slang).

Sou muito grato

I am very grateful.

Não tenho palavras

I have no words (to thank you).

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Start learning languages for free

Start Learning Free