irmão
/iʁˈmɐ̃w̃/masculine
In Portuguese, the word for brother is irmão.
The standard term for a male sibling is irmão.
Meaning: male sibling (noun)
Which one should you use?
While irmão refers to a brother, you can use irmão mais velho to specifically emphasize that the brother is older.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For casual settings, you might hear mano, which is a popular informal term used among siblings and friends to refer to a brother. If you want to be endearing when referring to a younger brother, use the informal irmãozinho. To show admiration or reverence for an older brother, the informal irmãozão can be used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of brother is irmã. If you are referring to a group of sisters, use the plural irmãs. The plural form irmãos can mean specifically a group of brothers or a mixed-gender group of siblings.
How do you pronounce it?
/iʁˈmɐ̃w̃/
Did you know?
- The word irmão shares a surprising ancient root with the English word 'germ', both descending from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to sprout' or 'to give birth'.
- Portuguese has a formal word germano which is a 'doublet' of irmão. While irmão is used in daily life, germano is reserved for technical or legal contexts to specify full-blood siblings.
- In many religious communities in Brazil, people who are not related by blood call each other irmão or irmã as a sign of spiritual kinship.
Examples in context
- É o meu irmão.He is my brother.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as my brother using irmão.Tatoeba #7803038 by Ricardo14, translation #250680 by CK
- Tom é teu irmão.Tom is your brother.This sentence is useful for stating that Tom is your brother using irmão.Tatoeba #4258426 by ajdavidl, translation #2273644 by CK
- Ali é meu irmão.Ali is my brother.This sentence is useful for stating that Ali is my brother using irmão.Tatoeba #4923314 by carlosalberto, translation #566755 by zaman_rasikh
- Gostaria de lhe apresentar meu irmão, Pedro.I would like to introduce you to my brother, Pedro.
- Meu irmão mais velho é um grande exemplo para mim.My older brother is a great example for me.
- E aí, mano? Tudo bem?Hey, bro? How's it going?
- Vem cá, irmãozinho! Preciso te contar uma novidade.Come here, little brother! I need to tell you some news.
- Meu irmãozão é o melhor conselheiro que eu poderia ter.My big bro is the best advisor I could have.
- 782 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing family members at a café.
- CamilaVocê tem um irmão?Do you have a brother?
- FelipeSim, eu tenho um irmão mais novo.Yes, I have a younger brother.
- CamilaO seu irmão mora aqui?Does your brother live here?
- FelipeNão, ele mora em outra cidade.No, he lives in another city.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brother” translations and entries irmão, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries irmão, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
