vovó
affectionate, Brazil
In Brazil children call their grandmother vovó or the shorter vó. The standard word in writing is avó, which is also used when talking about someone's grandmother.
Meaning: grandmother (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| vovó | affectionate, Brazil |
| vó | casual |
| avó | standard |
Brazilians say vó or vovó when speaking to their own grandmother and often add her name, like Vó Maria. Grandfather is vovô or vô.
Which one should you use?
Avó is the dictionary form and shows up in official forms and formal talk. Portugal uses it more in speech too, while Brazil favors vó and vovó in family life.
How do you pronounce it?
Stress falls on the last syllable of vovó and avó, like "voh-VOH" and "ah-VOH".
Did you know?
- Brazilian grandmothers are famous for their Sunday lunches, and comida de vó (grandma's cooking) is a common phrase for homemade food.
Examples in context
- Vovó, me conta uma história?Grandma, will you tell me a story?
- Minha avó mora em Minas Gerais.My grandmother lives in Minas Gerais.
- A vó fez bolo de fubá.Grandma made cornmeal cake.
Example conversation
Theo visits his grandmother Dona Rita on Sunday in Campinas.
- TheoOi, vó! Que cheiro bom!Hi, grandma! What a good smell!
- RitaÉ bolo de fubá, meu neto.It is cornmeal cake, my grandson.
- TheoPosso pegar uma fatia?Can I take a slice?
- RitaClaro, meu querido.Of course, my dear.
