Learn Portuguese (Portugal): Obrigado! De nada.

The Portuguese word for 'thank you' is actually an adjective meaning 'obliged'. Because of this, it must match the gender of the person who is speaking. A male speaker always says Obrigado, and a female speaker always says Obrigada, no matter who they are talking to.

What does De nada literally mean?

It literally translates to 'of nothing'. It is the most common way to say 'you are welcome' in Portuguese, very similar to saying 'it was nothing' or 'think nothing of it' in English.

Does De nada change depending on whether I am a man or a woman?

No, it stays exactly the same! Unlike Obrigado, the phrase De nada is a fixed expression. You will always say De nada to mean 'you are welcome', regardless of your gender or the gender of the person you are speaking to.

I sometimes hear Portuguese people say something that sounds like 'brigado'. Is that the same word?

Yes! In everyday spoken Portuguese, people speak quickly and often drop the first sound, making Obrigado sound like Brigado (or Brigada for women). However, it is always written with the 'O'.