Valentine’s Day is here! In Ireland and many other countries, February 14th is all about love - flowers, chocolates, romantic dinners, and (for some) a little bit of stress finding the perfect gift. But did you know that in Brazil and Portugal, things are a bit different?
In Brazil, Dia dos Namorados (Valentine’s Day) is celebrated on June 12th. For many, it can be a big deal, with romantic gestures, candlelit dinners and lots of heart-shaped everything! But unlike Valentine's Day, it’s not connected to Saint Valentine - it’s the eve of Saint Anthony’s Day, the patron saint of marriage.
In Portugal, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th, just like in Ireland. Couples exchange gifts, go out for dinner, or write love letters (yes, some people still do that! 💌). But not everyone is a fan - some people find it too commercial and others prefer to celebrate love every day, not just once a year.
💘 No matter when or how you celebrate, love is always a great excuse to learn some new Portuguese expressions!
Here are 5 romantic phrases you can use:
1️⃣ Estou apaixonado/a por você! – I’m in love with you! ❤️
Ex.: Desde que te conheci, estou apaixonado por você! (Since I met you, I’ve been in love with you!)
2️⃣ Você é o amor da minha vida. – You are the love of my life. 💖
Ex.: Eu sei que você é o amor da minha vida! (I know you are the love of my life!)
3️⃣ Que tal um jantar romântico hoje? – How about a romantic dinner tonight? 🍷🍽
Ex.: Hoje é Dia dos Namorados! Que tal um jantar romântico? (Today is Valentine’s Day! How about a romantic dinner?)
4️⃣ Meu coração é seu. – My heart is yours. 💕
Ex.: Não há dúvidas, meu coração é seu! (No doubt about it, my heart is yours!)
5️⃣ Você me faz feliz. – You make me happy. 😊
Ex.: Não importa o dia, você sempre me faz feliz! (No matter the day, you always make me happy!)
Whether you love or hate Valentine’s Day, why not use this chance to spread some love (in Portuguese, of course!)? 💬