Oi!

Just drop it whenever you see someone. You can say it alone or pair it with a name. Oi, Maria! works perfectly. In Brazil, people often stretch the 'i' sound when they are excited. A long Oiii! means you are really happy to see someone. It is the first word you should master.

Use it when entering a shop or meeting a friend. It works for the person delivering your pizza. It is perfect for starting a WhatsApp message. Use it when you make eye contact with a neighbor. It is even used to get someone's attention if they dropped their keys. It is the ultimate social lubricant.

Avoid using only Oi in very stiff, formal ceremonies. If you are meeting the President, maybe use Olá. Don't use it if you are angry and trying to be silent. Also, in Portugal, Oi is used but Olá is much more common. In Portugal, Oi can sometimes sound a bit too Brazilian or informal.

Brazilians are famous for being approachable and informal. Oi reflects this perfectly. It broke away from the more rigid European Olá over decades. It represents the 'jeitinho'—the easygoing Brazilian way of life. It is a word that levels the playing field between people. It turns strangers into potential friends in two letters.

• Oi, tudo bem?: The standard 'Hi, how are you?'
• Oie!: A cuter, more playful version often used by younger people.
• Oi, oi!: A quick, double greeting when you are in a rush.
• Opa!: A masculine-leaning variation used like 'Hey there!' when passing someone.