minha rainha
/ˈmĩ.ɲɐ ʁaˈĩ.ɲɐ/word by word
The Portuguese phrase for "my queen" is minha rainha.
minha rainha is used as a term of endearment for a woman whom one loves or admires deeply. While the phrase can be used literally in historical contexts or fairy tales, it is most commonly used as a romantic or highly affectionate way to address a woman.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the possessive adjective minha (my, feminine) and the noun rainha (queen).
Which one should you use?
To address a man as "my king", you would use the masculine form meu rei.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because rainha is a feminine noun, the possessive adjective must be the feminine form minha rather than the masculine meu.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈmĩ.ɲɐ ʁaˈĩ.ɲɐ/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, the term rainha is frequently used in the context of Carnival to describe the lead dancer of a samba school, known as the rainha de bateria.
- The diminutive form rainhinha can be used to make the term even more tender, though it is much more casual and 'cute' than the standard phrase.
- In some Portuguese-speaking communities, calling someone minha rainha can be slightly hyperbolic or ironic, similar to calling someone 'your majesty' in English to tease them about being demanding.
Examples in context
- Eu sou seu rei e você é minha rainha.I'm your king and you're my queen.This sentence shows the relationship between a king and his queen using minha rainha.Tatoeba #11528873 by carlosalberto, translation #11528836 by carlosalberto
- "Espelho, espelho meu, existe alguém mais belo do que eu?" E o espelho sempre respondia: "não, minha rainha, vós sois a mais bela.""Mirror, mirror on the wall. Who in the land is fairest of all?" And then the mirror would always reply: "You, my queen, are fairest of all."This sentence shows a fairy tale context where a mirror addresses the queen as minha rainha.Tatoeba #8159792 by lucasmg123, translation #439626 by Scott
- Olá, minha rainha. Agradeço sua presença nesta ocasião especial.Hello, my queen. I appreciate your presence on this special occasion.
- Obrigado(a), meu amor. Você é a rainha da minha vida.Thank you, my love. You are the queen of my life.
- Minha rainha, você é incrível!My queen, you are amazing!
- Você é a luz do meu mundo, minha rainha.You are the light of my world, my queen.
Example conversation
Gabriel is giving Juliana a bouquet of roses during their anniversary dinner.
- GabrielEstas flores são para você, minha rainha.These flowers are for you, my queen.
- JulianaOh, Gabriel, elas são lindas!Oh, Gabriel, they are beautiful!
- GabrielVocê merece apenas o melhor.You deserve only the best.
- JulianaEu te amo tanto.I love you so much.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (minha, rainha) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
