ah
realization, Brazil
In Brazilian Portuguese "oh" is most often ah, as in Ah, entendi. To show surprise, Brazilians say nossa, and ó is used to get someone to look.
Meaning: expression of surprise or realization (interjection)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| ah | realization, Brazil |
| ó | calling attention, Brazil |
| nossa | surprise, Brazil |
Ah marks a moment of understanding: Ah, tá. Nossa expresses surprise or admiration, and it comes from Nossa Senhora. Both are very common.
Which one should you use?
Ó is different. In casual speech ó means "look" or "hey", as in Ó o carro! It is not a general "oh".
Did you know?
- The Portuguese interjection ó is written with an accent mark and is different from the letter o or the article.
Examples in context
- Ah, agora entendi!Oh, now I get it!
- Nossa, que surpresa!Oh wow, what a surprise!
- Ah, é você!Oh, it is you!
Example conversation
Vera hears a joke from her colleague Hugo during a break.
- HugoA reunião é amanhã, não hoje.The meeting is tomorrow, not today.
- VeraAh, entendi!Oh, I see!
- HugoFica tranquila.Do not worry.
