senhor
/sẽˈɲoʁ/
The English phrase "mr" is translated into Portuguese as senhor.
senhor is a title used before a man's surname or full name, serving as the equivalent of "Mister" or "Sir". Unlike the English "Mr.", which is strictly a title, senhor can also be used as a standalone noun meaning "man" or "gentleman".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
senhor is a polite and standard way to show respect to a man, particularly when addressing someone older or in formal settings. In written correspondence or formal address, you may see the abbreviation Sr.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the title before a name in a sentence, it is common to precede it with the definite article o (for example, O senhor Silva). The feminine form of this title is senhora, which is the equivalent of "Mrs." or "Ms.". Note that senhorita is the Portuguese equivalent of "Miss".
How do you pronounce it?
/sẽˈɲoʁ/
Did you know?
- In Brazil, senhor is often used as a formal pronoun to replace 'you' when speaking to an elder, regardless of whether the person's name is mentioned.
- While senhor is the standard for 'Mr', in highly formal or legal Portuguese, the term ilustríssimo may be used to further elevate the person's status.
- In religious contexts, Senhor with a capital letter is the primary way to refer to God or Jesus in Portuguese.
Examples in context
- O senhor Smith veio.Mr. Smith came.This sentence shows how to use senhor before a surname.Tatoeba #973539 by alexmarcelo, translation #465051 by CN
- Bom dia, senhor Saari.Good morning, Mr. Saari.This sentence demonstrates a polite greeting using senhor and a surname.Tatoeba #879619 by alexmarcelo, translation #879617 by CN
- Esse é o senhor Pedro.This is Mr. Pedro.This sentence shows the use of senhor with a first name.Tatoeba #2036323 by Ricardo14, translation #2036348 by Dejo
- Com licença, senhor.Excuse me, sir.
- Senhor, poderia me ajudar?Sir, can you help me?
- Muito obrigado, senhor.Thank you very much, sir.
- Prezado Sr. Silva,Dear Mr. Silva,
- Sr. Presidente, tenho uma pergunta para fazer.Mr. President, I have a question to ask.
- 66 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mariana is a receptionist greeting a client in an office.
- MarianaBom dia, senhor Silva.Good morning, Mr. Silva.
- RodrigoBom dia, Mariana.Good morning, Mariana.
- MarianaO senhor tem uma reunião agora?Do you have a meeting now?
- RodrigoSim, estou pronto.Yes, I am ready.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry senhor, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
