meu amor
affectionate
The most common way to say "my love" in Brazil is meu amor. Couples also say meu bem (my dear) or minha vida (my life).
Meaning: term of endearment (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| meu amor | affectionate |
| meu bem | affectionate, Brazil |
| minha vida | affectionate |
Meu amor is used by both men and women to a partner, a child or someone dear. It does not change for gender, but meu bem and minha vida keep their own forms.
Which one should you use?
Meu bem is gentle and slightly old-fashioned. Minha vida is more intense. Shortened amor alone is a very common pet name.
When do people say it?
Older women in Brazil often call people meu bem or meu amor in shops or on the bus, which is simply friendly and not romantic.
Did you know?
- The Brazilian song tradition is full of meu amor, and the phrase appears in countless bossa nova and samba lyrics.
Examples in context
- Bom dia, meu amor.Good morning, my love.
- Vem cá, meu bem.Come here, my dear.
- Você é a minha vida.You are my life.
Example conversation
Carla leaves a voice message for her husband Eduardo in Brasília.
- CarlaOi, meu amor, saindo agora.Hi, my love, leaving now.
- EduardoTudo bem, meu bem. Te espero.Fine, my dear. I will wait for you.
- CarlaBeijo, até já.Kiss, see you soon.
