mãe
standard
In Brazil "mom" is mãe, and the affectionate mamãe is used especially by children. In the Northeast many people say mainha.
Meaning: mother (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| mãe | standard |
| mamãe | affectionate, Brazil |
| mainha | affectionate, Northeast Brazil |
Adults often call their mother mãe in conversation and mamãe is common for little children. Dad is pai, papai or painho in the Northeast.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Mainha and painho are warm regional forms from the Northeast, heard in Bahia and neighboring states. Elsewhere in Brazil mãe and mamãe are standard.
When do people say it?
Brazil celebrates Dia das Mães on the second Sunday of May, and a common greeting is Feliz Dia das Mães!
Did you know?
- The sound of the nasal ã in mãe is a distinctive feature of Portuguese, with the vowel and the diphthong said partly through the nose.
Examples in context
- Mamãe, posso brincar?Mommy, can I play?
- Feliz Dia das Mães!Happy Mother's Day!
Example conversation
Ricardo comes home and talks to his mother Dona Sônia in Salvador.
- RicardoMãe, cheguei!Mom, I am home!
- SôniaOi, filho. Já jantou?Hi, son. Have you had dinner?
- RicardoAinda não.Not yet.
- SôniaVem comer.Come eat.
