Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| seio | /ˈsej.u/ (Brazil) /ˈsɐj.u/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| peito | /ˈpej.tu/ (Brazil) /ˈpɐj.tu/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| mama | /ˈmɐ̃.mɐ/ (Brazil) /ˈmɐ.mɐ/ (Portugal) |
feminine |
In Portuguese, there are several ways to refer to the breast depending on whether you are speaking anatomically, biologically or casually. Seio is the standard term for the anatomical organ, while peito is a common word that can refer to both the breast and the chest. Mama is used specifically in biological or medical contexts, such as when discussing the mammary gland or specific diseases.
Which one should you use?
The choice between forms depends on the context: seio is the neutral, anatomical term. peito can mean both 'chest' and 'breast' and is used in casual or physical contexts. And mama is used in medical or biological contexts, such as 'câncer de mama' (breast cancer).
How do you pronounce it?
The word seio is pronounced as /ˈsej.u/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word seio is a cognate of the English word 'sine' in mathematics, as both derive from the Latin 'sinus' meaning 'curve' or 'fold'.
- The term mama is not just a noun for the organ, but also serves as a common, affectionate way to refer to 'mother' in certain traditional or rural dialects.
- Because peito refers to the entire chest area, it is the word used when discussing 'heartfelt' emotions, such as in the expression 'no fundo do peito'.
Examples in context
- Ela não mama o bastante.She doesn't drink enough breast milk.This sentence shows the use of mama in the context of breastfeeding.Tatoeba #800441 by brauliobezerra, translation #266486 by papabear
- O câncer de mama é uma doença.Breast cancer is a disease.This sentence illustrates the medical term 'breast cancer' using mama.Tatoeba #980047 by alexmarcelo, translation #680712 by Source_VOA
- Maria morreu de câncer de mama.Mary died of breast cancer.This sentence provides another example of the medical term 'breast cancer' using mama.Tatoeba #5373919 by ToinhoAlam, translation #4473030 by Hybrid
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A doctor is explaining a medical result to a patient.
- MarianaHouve um problema no meu seio esquerdo.There was a problem in my left breast.
- RodrigoVou examinar o seu seio agora, Mariana.I am going to examine your breast now, Mariana.
- MarianaO senhor sentiu algum caroço no seio?Did you feel any lump in the breast?
- RodrigoSim, notei algo estranho no seio.Yes, I noticed something strange in the breast.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “breast” translations and entries seio, peito, mama, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mama, peito, seio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
