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How to Say ‘Happy São João!’ in Portuguese

Bom São João!

bohng sowng zhoo-OWNG

[bohng sowng zhoo-OWNG]

🇵🇹 In Portugal: Everyone shouts this on the night of 23 June, especially in Porto. It's often said while playfully tapping strangers on the head with a plastic hammer.

Phrase Breakdown

Bom

[bohng]

good

Adjective meaning good; often used to react positively to plans or ideas.

Example

Esse horário é bom para mim.

That time is good for me.

São

[sowng]

Saint

Title used before male saints' names starting with a consonant.

Example

A festa de São Pedro é em junho.

The Saint Peter festival is in June.

João

[zhoo-OWNG]

John

Male name; São João is Saint John, celebrated on 23-24 June, especially in Porto.

Example

O João vem à festa.

João is coming to the party.

Guides for Portuguese learners

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