mãe
/ˈmɐ̃j̃/
In Portuguese, the English phrase "mom" is translated as mãe.
mãe is an informal word used to refer to a female parent.
Which one should you use?
While mãe is the standard word for mom, it is slightly more neutral than the highly affectionate mamãe.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
mamãe is an informal diminutive used as an affectionate or more childish way to say mom, similar to "mommy" in English.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term Mãezinha is frequently used in Brazil and some Portuguese-speaking African countries to mean "dear mom".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmɐ̃j̃/
Did you know?
- While mãe is the common term, Portuguese speakers often use the phrase mãe de primeira viagem to describe a woman who is a first-time mother.
- In some Portuguese-speaking African countries, Mãezinha is used as a respectful or affectionate term for older women in the community, not just biological mothers.
- The word mãe is a 'doublet' of the word madre, meaning they both come from the same Latin root but evolved into two different words in Portuguese.
Examples in context
- Ela é sua mãe?Is she your mom?This sentence is useful for asking if a person is someone's mãe.Tatoeba #978512 by alexmarcelo, translation #3951963 by felvideki
- Ela é tua mãe?Is that your mom?Tatoeba #978513 by alexmarcelo, translation #4134490 by CK
- Sua mãe é legal.Your mom is cool.This sentence is useful for describing a person's mãe.Tatoeba #3433624 by piterkeo, translation #3431205 by CK
- Eu te amo, mãezinha.I love you, dear mom.
- 148 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking on the phone about a family visit.
- RodrigoSua mãe está em casa?Is your mom at home?
- JulianaSim, minha mãe está lá.Yes, my mom is there.
- RodrigoEu vou visitar sua mãe hoje.I am going to visit your mom today.
- JulianaEla vai ficar muito feliz.She will be very happy.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mãe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mãe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
