Meu Deus!
everyday, Brazil
In Brazil "oh my God" is Meu Deus!, literally "my God". Brazilians also say Nossa! for surprise, amazement or shock, and it is used all the time in daily speech. It is also called Ai, meu Deus!
Meaning: exclamation of surprise (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Meu Deus! | everyday, Brazil |
| Nossa! | casual, Brazil |
| Ai, meu Deus! | emphatic |
Meu Deus! works for shock, worry or disbelief. Nossa! is lighter and can express admiration as well, like "wow".
Which one should you use?
Nossa! comes from Nossa Senhora, "Our Lady", but today it is a plain everyday exclamation that most people do not think of as religious.
Did you know?
- Nossa! is one of the most typical Brazilian exclamations and is often one of the first things learners notice in conversation.
Examples in context
- Meu Deus, que susto!Oh my God, what a scare!
- Nossa, que lindo!Wow, how beautiful!
- Ai, meu Deus, perdi o ônibus.Oh my God, I missed the bus.
Example conversation
Carla opens a package at home in Belo Horizonte and her brother Pedro looks over her shoulder.
- CarlaMeu Deus, olha isso!Oh my God, look at this!
- PedroNossa, é enorme!Wow, it is huge!
- CarlaNão acredito.I cannot believe it.
