Dating in Brazilian Culture … “she will think you are not interested”

Ever felt confused after a first date in Brazil? Wondering why you were greeted with a kiss or why your date didn’t seem to mind being late?

Dating in Brazilian culture is full of warmth and intensity, and if you’re not used to it, it might leave your head spinning. But don’t worry. This guide will help you feel more confident and connected in your intercultural romantic journey.

How to Date a Foreigner is the #1 resource and community helping expats, digital nomads, and students overseas confidently navigate international relationships.

As explained in our guide to international dating, making romance work abroad means seeing through someone else’s lens.

Let’s explore dating in Brazilian culture together and discover how it can reshape your views on romance, gender, and connection.

What makes Brazilian dating culture so different from other countries?

Brazilian dating blends emotional expressiveness with strong family ties. In many cultures, a kiss means commitment. In Brazil, it’s often just a greeting or the start of something light. Physical closeness and affectionate gestures like hand-holding, hugging, or kissing in public are common and expected.

Veronica P., a local, explains: “Brazil is veryyyyy big so it depends a lot on where you live in the Northeast ppl are very open-minded and fluid, especially in bigger cities. In the south (generally) people are more closed up on religious values and sexism. Politics affect a lot the dynamics of dating/marriage. Red states (lefty) tend to be generally more open-minded right states are more religious and close-minded and strict to “traditional family” which means getting married really young.”

Stephen M. compares Brazilian dating culture to dating in the US:”I’ve found most modern Americans to have completely unrealistic expectations about others and think far too highly of their own dating market value vs. what they actually offer. A culture of entitlement, and self-absorption, seems to have created a very hostile, combative dating environment.I have found dating here in Brazil to be quite the opposite: a focus on family and community over self, many more people are interested in health and fitness …, and the “asks” and “demands” from others are far more realistic and proportional. The roles and expectations are more defined and you don’t feel like your partner is in competition with you.”

Michael A. say:

“I am Brazilian I will give you one more bonus piece of information. If someone asks a Brazilian: ‘Are you fine?’, we will always say: ‘Yes’. Even if we have lost an arm haha. Because we don’t like to worry others with our problems or we are too lazy to explain the reason for our troubles.”

Dating a Brazilian Man

Dating a Brazilian man has some similarities with dating a Mexican man because the machismo culture is also present here.

Christy W. compares her experience in Brazil to dating a Swedish man:”I find South American men to be a lot more sexually driven and a lot more assertive. The men are very clear and open about wanting sex to you and they see women as opportunities.Men in Sweden where I grew up are not like this. They are much more laid back and low-key…Although I think Brazilian men have gotten a lot better than they were in the past but they still have a long way to go to reach the equality that they have in northern Europe.”

Dating a Brazilian Woman

Juan H. thinks that girls there are more confident and a bit jealous:

“I lived in many countries and can say Brazilian women are more confident than any other in the world, which is a great thing. Dressing-wise, sex-wise, relationship...If you are Brazilian and not jealous, you are an exception. One in a million. Never met a girl who wasn’t, some on a crazy level, some on a cute level.”

In the video below two American men share their experience of dating Brazilian women:

How do gender roles play out in Brazilian dating?

While Brazil has evolved, traditional gender roles still shape expectations. Men are generally expected to initiate, pursue, and pay on dates. Many women still value masculine assertiveness, but also want equality in decision-making.

Noelle B. shares that society is quite traditional:

“Definitely, male-dominated. Lots of Brazilian men expect the woman to stay at home with the kids, to cater to their needs. Gender roles are strong here. You gotta find that one guy that is not threatened by a woman that makes more money and expects him to take care of the household and baby 50/50. But when you find that rare one, take good care of him and never let go.”

Ted B. says that women usually expect men to make the first step: “The initiative is on the man. If he doesn’t make a move relatively quickly the woman will usually think he’s not interested and move on. Can be confusing for westerners.”

PDA and Kissing Culture in Brazil

Brazilian dating culture means openness about feelings: public displays of affection are so natural and common that there is not even a special word or expression to describe it in Portugees. Couples usually are very passionate about showing their affection, so it’s common to see people kissing in public.

Ricardo C. compares Brazilians and Canadians:

“My wife is Canadian and I’m Brazilian. Her friends think it’s so cute that we always walk holding hands, but to me, that’s pretty much the only way couples walk around together. If a man and a woman walk just side by side in Brazil, they are probably just friends. I always take a long time to understand when couples in Canada are couples because they stay so far from each other.”

Bruna R. tells that people tend to have more physical closeness (just like in Spanish culture):

“Brazilians in general like to touch a lot, even in conversations with strangers we are used to putting a hand on the person’s shoulders. It’s not something strange in a culture, where people are uses to talking with hand gestures. And if they are dating, public displays of affection is totally fine, and to be honest who on earth doesn’t like a bit of cuddle to know that you’re important to someone?”

If you are used to official handshakes or strict head nods, then you might be surprised by people giving kisses (beijo) to each other on the streets, in cafes, in parks…everywhere! This is the usual way people greet each other, no matter whether they see you for the first time or you are good friends.

Caio B. explains that there are even regional differences in Brazilian kissing culture:

“In San Paulo or Minas Gerais, you kiss once. In Rio de Janeiro you kiss twice. In Rio Grande do Sul you kiss three times. If you’re unsure of how many kisses to give, it’s fine to default to just one.”

So, if you are in Brazil be ready to kiss your friends, friends of your friends or even relatives of your boyfriend/girlfriend.

What should I know before going on a first date in Brazil?

• Dress to impress.
  Showing up too casual can be seen as rude. Brazilians put effort into appearance – no matter if it is a romantic meeting or a party with their friends. So dress up to ensure you don’t feel awkward.
• Expect some delay.
  Being 10–30 minutes late is not unusual. Don’t take it personally. If you are used to dating in Germany (or any Scandinavian country), don’t be offended by it, at least try not to show your irritation directly. 

  Debora N’s advice:”Try not to bother or be upset if she is late for a date… She was probably getting really pretty for you! So please compliment her, and don’t complain.”

• Go in for the kiss. If you like the person, a kiss on the first date is not just okay, it’s often expected. Holding back might be read as disinterest.

  Being reserved, serious and cold is seen as a complete disinterest from your side. Probably, the second date will never happen. So, if your heart tells you that it’s a suitable moment for the kiss, don’t waste it!

  Mariana A. advises to be honest and straightforward:

  “Brazilian women expect the man to call after the first date. We really do not like ‘games’, we want the man to show interest straight away”

• Topics to avoid: Politics, income, and too-personal questions on date one. Let the chemistry lead.

• Don’t expect to go home alone. It’s considered respectful for a Brazilian man to offer to walk or drive you home. He may insist, even if you decline at first (as it’s expected that they offer again). That’s a polite norm, not pressure. Just know when to say yes, and when to stand your ground.Benjamin L. explains that it applies not only to dating in Brazilian culture:

  “In Brazilian culture, it’s not polite to accept something the first time it’s offered like if you are at someone’s house so they expect that you will insist and then it’s polite to accept. In Brazil insisting for someone to accept is also polite and shows you are really willing to do what you are offering.”

  However, sometimes “no” means “no”. Learn to read between lines and don’t be too pushy. Respect comes first!

   

What does it mean to “ficar” vs. “namorar”?

One of the most confusing elements of dating in Brazilian culture is understanding what stage you’re in. Brazilians often flirt, kiss, and even have casual sex without assuming exclusivity.

• Ficar = casually seeing someone (flirt, kiss, short-term)
• Namorar = official, committed relationship

Greg T. shares a short piece of advice:

“Learn the difference between ‘ficar’ and ‘namorar’ ” It’s crucial.

Brazilians are good at flirting, giving compliments and are very easy at giving kisses. However, it doesn’t indicate the seriousness of their intentions. Unlike dating in Korean culture, or dating in Chinese culture it doesn’t mean you are a couple. In Brazilian dating culture, the concept “ficar” means you are not in a relationship, but it also doesn’t mean you are not;)  Brazilians often use it to refer to a casual intimate encounter that may or may not lead to sex. The person they are having such casual encounters with is called “contatinho” or “ficante”. Funnily, “contatinho” literally may also mean a contact in your phone, so it’s just one of many others on the list.

It is something to keep in mind for a foreigner. Dating in Brazilian culture may be confusing for people of more conservative Eastern cultures.

Namorar – committed romantic relationship with someone when you are “official”. Once, you are “namorar” your Brazilian partner will act like you are the centre of his/her universe, sometimes could be even possessive and jealous.

Also, be ready to meet a family soon. It’s an indispensable part of Brazilian life. It’s unreal how close the family is and how much everyone knows about each other and spend time together.

How do Brazilians typically meet and date?

Brazilian dating culture doesn’t rely on technology, because people prefer to meet each other organically: through common friends, at parties, at work, etc.

Kyle P. explains why apps are not so popular:

“I asked my friends if they did online dating. He said, ‘No way man, we already meet way too many people, to begin with’.

Latin cultures are marked by a lot of get-togethers, meet-ups, dancing, and people introducing people to people. Cousins, aunts and uncles are generally a lot closer in these countries so you’d probably have the opportunity to meet people through them. There are more opportunities to meet people in general.

There is sometimes less trust in strangers so this could be a factor as well.”

However, if you prefer to connect  with people online first here is a list of the most popular Brazilian dating apps according to similarweb:

1. Tinder

2. Badoo

3. Dating and Chat – SweetMeet

4. Dating and Chat – Evermatch

5. Dating with singles – iHappy

What are the biggest cultural misunderstandings foreigners face when dating Brazilians?

• PDA overload? Not for them. It’s how they show they care.
• Assertiveness ≠ aggression. Expect clarity, not subtlety.
• Intensity ≠ commitment. Passionate moments don’t always mean exclusivity.
• Kissing ≠ dating. Physical affection is common, even when it’s casual.

FAQs

Why do Brazilians kiss on the first date?

Because it’s seen as a normal part of expressing attraction. It doesn’t necessarily mean the relationship is serious.

How can I tell if a Brazilian person is serious about me?

They will use the word “namorar” or call you their “namorado/a” (boyfriend/girlfriend). You’ll likely meet the family quickly.

Do all Brazilians expect traditional gender roles in dating?

Not all. But many still follow them. Roles may differ based on region, class, and education.

Conclusion

Dating a Brazilian is full of warmth, connection, and plenty of passion. But it’s also a dance of cultural cues. When you understand the difference between a casual kiss and a committed relationship, you’re better equipped to enjoy the adventure.

Dating a foreigner is an adventure filled with learning, surprises, and growth.
Yes, it can be tricky. But when you stay curious and kind, it often becomes one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have.

You’ll discover new ways to think and view the world while growing into a more understanding version of yourself.

That’s the beauty of international dating.

Ready to explore more? Grab our award-winning book, How to Date a Foreigner, for real-life stories and tips that go beyond this blog. Or join our course and learn how to date across cultures with confidence.

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