Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| meu Deus | /mew ˈdews/ (Brazil) |
| nossa | /ˈnɔ.sɐ/ (Brazil) /ˈnɔ.sɐ/ (Portugal) |
| ai! |
These expressions are used to convey feelings of excitement, shock or surprise. You can use meu Deus for a dramatic sense of shock, while nossa is a very common, colloquial way to say "wow," "oh my," or "gosh." Adding ai to meu Deus to make ai meu Deus intensifies the feeling of surprise or distress.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase meu Deus literally translates to "my God."
Which one should you use?
Meu Deus can carry a slightly stronger or more dramatic tone of shock compared to the more casual nossa. While nossa is a shortened, common version of the phrase, the full version nossa senhora is used for emphasis during moments of great surprise.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the informal expression nossa senhora (meaning "Our Lady") is frequently used. In Portugal, the slang term caramba is used to express surprise or shock.
How do you pronounce it?
/mew ˈdews/
When do people say it?
In Brazil, nossa senhora is a common informal way to express shock.
Did you know?
- The phrase minha nossa senhora is a curiously layered expression, effectively translating to 'my our lady'.
- In Brazil, saying nossa senhora is a standard way to react to shock without being considered overly religious or formal.
Examples in context
- Meu Deus, que bagunça!Oh my God, what a mess!This sentence shows how to use meu Deus to remark on a mess.Tatoeba #6565740 by heo598, translation #6565369 by Micsmithel
- Nossa senhora, é a minha casa!Oh my God, it's my house!This sentence demonstrates the use of nossa to express surprise at seeing one's house.Tatoeba #2166896 by alexmarcelo, translation #2164611 by Hybrid
- Ai, meu Deus! Como você é burro!Oh my God! You're so stupid!This sentence illustrates using meu Deus to express shock at someone's behavior.Tatoeba #4177617 by KimiP, translation #3098661 by Hybrid
- Quando ouvi a notícia, fiquei em choque. Meu Deus, não posso acreditar!When I heard the news, I was in shock. Oh my God, I can't believe it!
- Ai meu Deus! Tropecei e machuquei meu pé.Oh my God! I tripped and hurt my foot.
- Nossa Senhora! Olha só o tamanho desse bolo!Oh my God! Look at the size of this cake!
- Caramba! Isso é inacreditável!Oh my God! This is unbelievable!
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Beatriz and Felipe are looking at a sudden storm outside.
- BeatrizMeu Deus, que tempestade!Oh my god, what a storm!
- FelipeÉ, o céu ficou escuro de repente.Yes, the sky turned dark suddenly.
- BeatrizMeu Deus, vai cair um raio!Oh my god, lightning is going to strike!
- FelipeMelhor entrar em casa agora, Beatriz.Better to go inside now, Beatriz.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “oh my God” translations and entries meu Deus, nossa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Deus, deus, meu, nossa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
