oi vovó
/ˈoj vɔˈvɔ/word by word
In Portuguese, "hi grandma" is expressed as oi vovó.
The phrase is an informal way to greet a grandmother. You can also use other greetings depending on the time of day or level of closeness, such as Olá, Vovó! for a general greeting, Bom dia, Avó! for the morning, Boa tarde, Vovó! for the afternoon or Boa noite, Avó! for the evening.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word vovó is a noun that functions as a vocative, meaning it can be used to address a grandmother directly in a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈoj vɔˈvɔ/
Did you know?
- In Brazil, it is common to use vovó for a biological grandmother, but people may also use it for any older woman they feel a deep emotional bond with.
- The accent mark on the final 'o' in vovó is crucial because it distinguishes a grandmother from a grandfather, who is vovô.
- When saying oi vovó, it is culturally common in Brazil to accompany the greeting with a kiss on the cheek or a warm hug.
Examples in context
- Olá, Vovó! Como a senhora está hoje?Hello, Grandma! How are you today?
- Oi, Vovózinha! Tudo bem?Hi, Granny! Is everything well?
- Oi vovó, como você está?Hi grandma, how are you?
- Oi vovó, eu cheguei!Hi grandma, I'm here!
- Oi vovó, trouxe um presente para você.Hi grandma, I brought a gift for you.
Example conversation
Gabriel enters his grandmother's house for a visit.
- GabrielOi vovó, como a senhora está?Hi grandma, how are you?
- BeatrizOi, meu querido! Eu estou muito bem.Hi, my dear! I am doing very well.
- GabrielQue bom! Eu senti sua falta.That's good! I missed you.
- BeatrizEu também, Gabriel. Entre, por favor.I did too, Gabriel. Come in, please.
