«A língua reflecte a alma dum povo»
"Language reflects the soul of a people"
Ah, obrigado – a word that rolls off the tongue with a sense of warmth and appreciation, embodying the essence of Portuguese culture and hospitality. But have you ever stopped to wonder about the origin of this ubiquitous expression of gratitude? Despite its familiarity, 'obrigado' often goes unexamined, merely taught as a polite phrase in childhood. Join us on a whimsical journey through time as we unravel the fascinating story behind the word "obrigado" and discover how it came to be an integral part of the Portuguese language.
"Only in Portuguese is gratitude expressed with the third level, the deepest level, of the "Treatise on Gratitude" [by Saint Thomas Aquinas]; we say "Obrigado", and obrigado means exactly that: 'I am obliged to you' - I am obliged before you, I am bound before you, I am committed to a dialogue with you [...]"
A Linguistic Odyssey
The word "obrigado" traces its origins back to the Latin term "obligātus," which means "bound" or "obligated." In ancient Rome, the concept of obligation was closely tied to the idea of indebtedness or gratitude – when someone did a favor for you, you were "bound" to reciprocate or express thanks in return.
As Latin evolved into the Romance languages, including Portuguese, the term "obligātus" underwent a transformation, eventually giving rise to the Portuguese word "obrigado." Over time, "obrigado" came to be used as a polite expression of gratitude, conveying a sense of indebtedness and appreciation for a kindness or favor received.
Cultural Significance
In Portuguese culture, expressing gratitude is considered a fundamental aspect of social interaction, reflecting values of kindness, reciprocity, and community. Whether it's receiving a gift, a compliment, or a helping hand, saying "obrigado" is a way of acknowledging the generosity and goodwill of others, fostering a sense of connection and mutual respect.
Is it true that the Japanese word for "thank you" is of Portuguese origin?
Yes, it is true that the Japanese word "arigato" (ありがとう) meaning "thank you" has its origins in the Portuguese word "obrigado." The influence came during the 16th century when Portuguese traders and missionaries arrived in Japan. The Portuguese phrase "obrigado" (meaning "obliged" or "thank you") was likely adopted into Japanese vocabulary during this period, along with various other loanwords and cultural exchanges.
Over time, the pronunciation and usage evolved to become the Japanese expression "arigato." This historical connection between the two languages highlights the impact of cultural exchange and trade routes on language development.
How to use the word "Obrigado" ?
In Portuguese, "obrigado" and "obrigada" are variations of the same word, "obrigado".
The choice between "obrigado" and "obrigada" depends on the gender of the speaker.
Obrigado: This form is used by male speakers to express gratitude. It agrees with the masculine gender.
Obrigada: This form is used by female speakers to express gratitude. It agrees with the feminine gender.
Here are some examples of how to use "obrigado" and "obrigada" in sentences:
Male speaker: "Obrigado pela ajuda." (Thank you for the help.)
Female speaker: "Obrigada pela gentileza." (Thank you for the kindness.)
Remember that in Portuguese, adjectives and past participles agree in gender and number with the nouns they modify or with the subject they refer to. So, "obrigado" and "obrigada" change depending on the gender of the person expressing thanks.
How to reply to "Obrigado"
In European Portuguese, there are several common replies to the word "obrigado," depending on the context and level of formality. Here are some examples:
De nada - This is the most common response, equivalent to "You're welcome" in English.
Não há de quê - Another polite way to say "You're welcome" or "It's nothing."
Por nada - Similar to "De nada," meaning "It's nothing" or "No problem."
Às suas ordens - More formal, meaning "At your service."
Está à vontade - Literally means "Feel at ease" or "Make yourself comfortable."
Foi um prazer ajudar - "It was a pleasure to help" or "Happy to help."
Sempre às ordens - Similar to "At your service" or "Always available to help."
Com todo o gosto - "With pleasure" or "Gladly."
These replies are polite and commonly used in everyday interactions to acknowledge thanks in European Portuguese.
The Power of Gratitude
At its core, "obrigado" is more than just a word – it's a reflection of the power of gratitude to enrich our lives and strengthen our relationships. By expressing thanks and appreciation for the blessings we receive, we cultivate a spirit of generosity, compassion, and goodwill that uplifts not only ourselves but those around us.
So the next time someone does something kind for you, don't forget to say "obrigado" – not just because it's polite, but because it's a beautiful reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity and the importance of expressing gratitude in all its forms. After all, in a world where kindness often goes unnoticed, a simple "obrigado" can make all the difference. 🙏
Sources:
"Oxford Handbook of Japanese Linguistics" edited by Shigeru Miyagawa and Mamoru Saito.
"Japanese Language, Gender, and Ideology: Cultural Models and Real People" by Shigeko Okamoto and Janet S. Shibamoto-Smith.
"Language Contact in Japan: A Socio-Linguistic History" by Leo J. Loveday.
"Japanese and Portuguese in Contact: Studies in Contact Linguistics" edited by Ayumi Miura and Stephen D. Carter.