Portuguese · Emotions & Descriptions
"Nice (pleasant)" in Portuguese: legal
legal
Note: also: simpático/a
Nice in Portuguese is often legal in Brazil for pleasant people, places, or plans. Simpático/a also means nice in a warm, friendly way.
After a favor
Muito legal da sua parte me buscar na rodoviária.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce legal
Say it
leh-GOW
/le.ˈɡaw/
leh-GOW (Rio/São Paulo often). Legal sounds like leh-gow for many speakers.
"Nice (pleasant)" in Portuguese: quick reference
| Portuguese | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| legal | nice / cool / fine Everyday Brazilian praise. | Everyday Brazilian praise. |
| simpático / simpática | nice / friendly Warm personality. | Warm personality. |
| que legal! | how nice! / cool! Reaction. | Reaction. |
| pessoa legal | a nice person Character judgment. | Character judgment. |
How to use legal in real life
- 1After a favor
Muito legal da sua parte me buscar na rodoviária.
Really nice of you to pick me up at the bus station.
Legal da sua parte.
- 2Restaurant tip
Esse barzinho é legal para um primeiro encontro.
This little bar is nice for a first date.
Place vibe.
- 3Meeting coworkers
A equipe nova parece bem legal e paciente.
The new team seems really nice and patient.
People judgment.
Mistakes English speakers make with legal
Incorrect: Ele é very nice.
Correct: Ele é bem legal. / Ele é simpático.
Use legal or simpático, not English nice.
Incorrect: Uma ideia nicérrima.
Correct: Uma ideia bem legal.
Stay with legal for this sense.
Good to know
In Brazil legal covers cool, fine, and nice depending on tone. It is not the courtroom word here. For polite strangers, simpático/a can sound warmer than a flat legal.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Choosing a weekend plan
ChatPal
Acharam o parque legal ontem?
Did you find the park nice yesterday?
You
Bem legal — sombra boa e sem fila.
Really nice — good shade and no line.
ChatPal
Que legal! Quer repetir no domingo?
How nice! Want to do it again on Sunday?
You
Quero. Leva um lanche dessa vez.
I do. Bring a snack this time.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Nice (pleasant)" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Nice (pleasant)" in Portuguese
Legal means lawful?
In this everyday sense it means nice/cool, not courtroom talk.
Legal vs simpático?
Legal is broad praise; simpático stresses friendly warmth.
How do I react?
Que legal!
Formal writing?
Agradável or simpático may fit better than legal.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
