vovó
/vɔˈvɔ/
The English phrase 'nana' translates to Portuguese as vovó.
An informal term used by children to refer to their grandmother.
Which one should you use?
In Portuguese, vó is an informal and affectionate way to say 'nana', similar to the English term 'gran' or 'granny'. If you are referring to your actual grandmother, you can use avó in Portuguese.
How do you pronounce it?
/vɔˈvɔ/
Did you know?
- In Brazil, nana is also a common verb used in lullabies, meaning 'to sleep'. Parents often tell children nana neném to soothe them to sleep.
- In Portuguese, the distinction between avó (grandmother) and avô (grandfather) is only a single accent mark, which changes the vowel sound entirely.
- If you call a stranger vovó in Brazil, it might be perceived as an endearing way to show respect to an elderly woman, rather than just a familial term.
Examples in context
- Contratamos uma babá para as criançasWe hired a nanny for the children
- Eu amo a minha vovó.I love my grandma.
Example conversation
Camila and Felipe are looking at a family photo.
- CamilaOlha a vovó nesta foto!Look at grandma in this photo!
- FelipeEla parece tão jovem.She looks so young.
- CamilaA vovó era muito bonita.Grandma was very beautiful.
- FelipeSim, ela é maravilhosa.Yes, she is wonderful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vovó, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
