tia
standard
In Brazilian Portuguese "aunt" is tia. The word for "uncle" is tio and the plural for both is tios.
Brazilians use tia for blood relatives and for close family friends. It is common to write minha tia or call her by name, like tia Marta.
Meaning: relative (noun)
When do people say it?
Children in Brazil often call friendly adult women tia, such as a school helper. The word expresses warmth and not only kinship.
Did you know?
- The masculine pair is tio and tia, and both appear in many Brazilian children's songs.
Examples in context
- Minha tia mora em Recife.My aunt lives in Recife.
- A tia Marta fez um bolo.Aunt Marta made a cake.
- Tenho duas tias.I have two aunts.
Example conversation
Gui calls his Tia Marta before a family lunch in Recife.
- GuiOi, tia! Posso levar a sobremesa?Hi, aunt! Can I bring dessert?
- Tia MartaPode, querido.You can, dear.
- GuiChego ao meio-dia.I arrive at noon.
