avó
/aˈvɔ/feminine
The Portuguese word for grandmother is avó.
avó is a noun used to refer to the mother of someone's parent.
Meaning: mother of someone's parent (noun)
Which one should you use?
While avó is the standard term, you may encounter several other forms. Vovó is an affectionate way to say 'grandma' or 'granny', and Avózinha is an endearing and affectionate term for a grandmother. In Brazil, the term vó is a common way to address your grandmother directly.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, vó is a common and informal term used to address your grandmother.
How does it change in a sentence?
avó is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈvɔ/
Did you know?
- The word avó is derived from the Latin word aviola, which was a diminutive form of avia.
- The word avó is spelled exactly like the word for grandfather avô, differing only by the accent mark which changes the vowel sound from open to closed.
- In Brazil, vovó is often used not just for biological grandmothers but as a term of endearment for any elderly woman who is seen as a maternal figure.
Examples in context
- Como vai a sua avó?How is your grandmother?This sentence is useful for asking about the well-being of someone's avó.Tatoeba #5012947 by alexmarcelo, translation #5011670 by dantat65
- Em breve serás avó.You will be a grandmother soon.This sentence is useful for stating that someone will become an avó in the near future.Tatoeba #7067622 by iart61, translation #7966265 by adiante19
- Onde a sua avó mora?Where does your grandmother live?This sentence is useful for asking about the place of residence of someone's avó.Tatoeba #883245 by alexmarcelo, translation #687620 by lukaszpp
- A minha avó é a pessoa mais doce que eu conheço.My grandmother is the sweetest person I know.
- A avózinha fez um bolo delicioso para o lanche.Grandma made a delicious cake for afternoon tea.
- Vou passar o final de semana na casa da vó.I'm going to spend the weekend at grandma's place.
- A vozinha sempre faz as comidas que eu mais gosto.Grandma always cooks my favorite foods.
- 112 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe and Camila are talking about family photos.
- FelipeEsta foto é da sua avó?Is this photo of your grandmother?
- CamilaSim, é a minha avó materna.Yes, it is my maternal grandmother.
- FelipeEla parece uma avó muito gentil.She looks like a very kind grandmother.
- CamilaEla é mesmo uma avó incrível.She really is an amazing grandmother.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandmother” translations and entries avó, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries avó, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
