bemvindo

Bem-vindo is a Portuguese expression that functions as both an adjective and an interjection meaning welcome. It is commonly used to greet, receive, or show hospitality to someone, and it appears frequently on signs, websites, and in spoken language. The form is widely used in Portuguese-speaking contexts, particularly in Brazilian and European Portuguese.

Etymology and form: Bem-vindo combines bem (well) and vindo (coming), from the verb vir (to come). The standard orthography is bem-vindo, with a hyphen. The feminine form is bem-vinda, and the plural forms are bem-vindos (masc or mixed) and bemvindas (fem). It can modify a person or place, or be used as a fixed greeting: "Seja bem-vindo" or "Sejam bem-vindos."

Usage notes: In everyday speech, bem-vindo often appears as a standalone greeting or part of a larger phrase, such as "Seja bem-vindo à nossa cidade" or "Sejam bem-vindos ao evento." On signs or digital interfaces, the concise form "Bem-vindo" is common. The tone can range from casual to formal, and usage may vary by region or context, with particular emphasis in hospitality, tourism, and business settings.

See also: Related gendered forms include bem-vinda, bem-vindos, and bem-vindas. While the term translates to “welcome” in English, it also functions as a cultural cue for hospitality in Portuguese-speaking communities.