Atenciosamente

Atenciosamente is a closing phrase used in formal written Portuguese, equivalent to “Sincerely” or “Yours sincerely” in English. It is commonly employed at the end of letters and emails to convey respect and attentiveness toward the recipient.

Etymology and meaning: the term comes from the adjective atencioso (attentive, considerate) and is formed into an adverb by the suffix -mente, yielding a literal sense of “with attentiveness” or “with consideration.” In practice it signals courteous regard rather than information content.

Usage and formatting: it is typically placed on its own line at the end of the message, followed by a comma, then the sender’s name on the next line. The standard presentation in Portuguese-language correspondence is:

Atenciosamente,

[Nome]

In many professional contexts, the closing reflects the level of formality and the relationship between sender and recipient. It is common in business and official communications in both Portugal and Brazil. While widely accepted, some formal situations may call for alternatives such as Respeitosamente or Cordialmente, depending on cultural context and the degree of formality. In more casual or internal communications, closings like Cumprimentos or even informal options may be used.

Regional and stylistic notes: although Atenciosamente is broadly understood and regularly used, preferences for closings can vary by country, industry, and corporate culture. The choice of closing helps convey tone and deference, making it a conventional element of Portuguese professional correspondence.