senhor
/sẽˈɲoʁ/masculine
In Portuguese, "mister" is translated as senhor.
senhor is used as a title for an adult male. While it can be used as a formal title before a surname, in which case it is often abbreviated as Sr. in writing, it is also frequently used as a standalone polite address, similar to "sir", to show respect to a stranger or an elder.
Meaning: title of adult male (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form is senhor. Its feminine counterpart is senhora, and the plural form is senhores.
How do you pronounce it?
/sẽˈɲoʁ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the English word "mister" when speaking Portuguese. Use senhor instead.
Did you know?
- While senhor is primarily a title for people, it can be used as an adjective to elevate the status of inanimate objects.
- In Brazil, senhor is often used with people of the same age or social rank to show a specific type of professional distance and deference.
- Using senhor can sometimes create an intentional psychological distance between speakers to signal that a relationship is strictly formal.
Examples in context
- Ei, senhor, esqueceu seu casaco!Hey mister, you forgot your coat!This example shows how to use senhor as a standalone address to get someone's attention.Tatoeba #5602073 by castelodehades, translation #1103054 by jamessilver
- O senhor Mindon comia sempre refeições simples, porque tinha problemas de estômago.Mister Mindon always ate simple meals, because he had problems with his stomach.This example demonstrates using senhor as a formal title before a surname.Tatoeba #10880088 by Cangarejo, translation #10880087 by Cangarejo
- O senhor Stern apoiava e orientava jovens músicos clássicos. Entre eles estão os violinistas Itzhak Perlman e Pinchas Zukerman, o violoncelista Yo-Yo Ma e o pianista Yefim Bronfman.Mister Stern supported and guided younger classical musicians. They include violinists Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and pianist Yefim Bronfman.This example shows senhor used as a formal title before a surname in a professional context.Tatoeba #12280777 by Cangarejo, translation #12280776 by Cangarejo
- Bom dia, Senhor. Como posso ajudar?Good morning, Sir. How can I assist you?
- O Senhor poderia me indicar o caminho para o aeroporto?Could you please show me the way to the airport, Sir?
- Olá, Sr. Silva! Tudo bem?Hello, Mr. Silva! How are you?
- Sr. João, você pode me ajudar com este problema?Mr. João, can you help me with this problem?
- Ei, moço! Você sabe onde fica a estação de trem?Hey, Mister! Do you know where the train station is?
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juliana is asking a man for directions in a park.
- JulianaCom licença, senhor, o senhor sabe onde fica o museu?Excuse me, mister, do you know where the museum is?
- GabrielSim, fica logo ali na próxima rua.Yes, it is just there on the next street.
- JulianaMuito obrigada, senhor.Thank you very much, mister.
- GabrielDe nada, tenha um bom dia.You're welcome, have a good day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mister” translations and entries senhor, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries senhor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
