mãe
neutral
In Portugal "mom" is mãe. The affectionate form is mamã, and children and adults use both. Mãezinha is a tender diminutive.
Meaning: mother (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| mãe | neutral |
| mamã | affectionate, Portugal |
| mãezinha | affectionate |
You say A minha mãe with the article, which is normal in Portugal. To call her you just say Mãe!
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil the affectionate word is mamãe. In Portugal mamã is the usual short form.
How do you pronounce it?
Mãe is one nasal syllable, close to "mayn" with a nasal sound.
Did you know?
- Mother's Day in Portugal is on the first Sunday of May.
Examples in context
- A minha mãe cozinha muito bem.My mom cooks very well.
- Mamã, vem cá!Mom, come here!
- Ligo à mãe todos os dias.I call my mom every day.
Example conversation
Rita calls her Mãe (mother) in Faro from her university residence in Lisbon.
- RitaOlá, mãe! Estás bem?Hi, Mom! Are you well?
- MãeEstou, filha. E tu?I am, daughter. And you?
- RitaTenho saudades tuas.I miss you.
