mano
slang, casual
Brazilians say mano or cara for "bro". Both are casual and used between friends. It is also called irmão.
Meaning: casual way to address a male friend (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| mano | slang, casual |
| cara | casual, everyday |
| irmão | literal, friendly |
Cara also means "guy", so Fala, cara! is like "Hey, man!" Mano is especially associated with São Paulo slang.
Which one should you use?
Irmão literally means "brother" and is used by close friends as a warm address too. Parceiro is another friendly option.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Use these only with people you know well. With strangers or older people, a name or senhor is safer.
Did you know?
- Cara literally means "face", and it turned into a general word for "guy" in Brazil.
Examples in context
- Fala, mano!Hey, bro!
- E aí, cara, tudo bem?What is up, man, are you okay?
- Valeu, irmão!Thanks, bro!
Example conversation
Diego runs into his friend Caio outside a football game in São Paulo.
- DiegoFala, mano! Tá animado pro jogo?Hey, bro! Excited for the game?
- CaioDemais, cara!Totally, man!
- DiegoBora entrar então.Let us go in then.
