mamãe e papai
/mɐ̃ˈmɐ̃j̃ ˈɛ paˈpaj/word by word
The phrase for mom and dad in Portuguese is mamãe e papai.
This phrase consists of informal and affectionate terms used by children or adults to refer to their parents.
Which one should you use?
The phrase mamãe e papai carries a high degree of endearment and is often used by children or adults expressing nostalgia or deep affection. In contrast, mãe e pai is the standard, more matter-of-fact way to refer to one's parents.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Mamãe e papai is an affectionate and childlike expression. For a neutral tone in most contexts, you should use mãe e pai, which means mother and father.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazilian Portuguese, painho is an affectionate way to say dad.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word e in the phrase functions as the conjunction 'and' to connect the two nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/mɐ̃ˈmɐ̃j̃ ˈɛ paˈpaj/
Did you know?
- The word mãe is a linguistic relative of the English 'mother', as both derive from an ancient root mimicking the sound infants make when nursing.
- In Brazil, it is common to refer to a step-parent as madrasta or padrasto, but many people use mamãe e papai for them to signal a biological-equivalent bond.
- The term papai is created through reduplication, a linguistic process where a word is repeated to change its nuance. In this case, repeating the sound of pai transforms a standard word for father into an affectionate, childlike one.
Examples in context
- Mamãe e papai me deram uma bicicleta.Mom and Dad gave me a bicycle.This sentence shows how to use mamãe e papai when talking about parents giving a gift.Tatoeba #1052822 by brauliobezerra, translation #703250 by papabear
- Mamãe, você é a melhor mãe do mundo!'Mom', you are the best mother in the world!
- Eu amo muito mamãe e papai.I love mom and dad very much.
- Mamãe e papai chegaram em casa.Mom and dad arrived home.
Example conversation
Two siblings are talking about their parents during a phone call.
- JulianaVocê ligou para mamãe e papai hoje?Did you call mom and dad today?
- GabrielNão, eu esqueci de ligar para eles.No, I forgot to call them.
- JulianaA mamãe perguntou de você.Mom asked about you.
- GabrielVou ligar para eles agora mesmo.I will call them right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (mamãe, e, papai) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
