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Register Differences (B1) | Brazilian Portuguese Grammar Guide | Falando | Falando

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B1Lesson 2: Conditional & Politeness

Register differences: formal vs. informal address

Understanding when and how to use formal versus informal language and address forms.

This is a partial preview of the article.

Related topics

Conditional simple (falaria, gostaria)(B1)
Polite requests and suggestions(B1)
Professional communication norms(B2)
Formal ↔ informal transitions(C1)
Professional communication styles(C1)
Academic writing conventions(C1)

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The Pronoun Hierarchy

From most formal to most informal:

O senhor/A senhora (formal)
- Elderly people (60+)
- High-ranking officials
- Customer service to older clients
- First meetings in conservative contexts
Você (neutral/standard)
- Default for most situations
- Professional colleagues
- Service encounters
- People your age or younger
- Replaced "tu" in most of Brazil
Tu (informal, regional)
- Close friends and family (South)
- Intimate relationships