meu Deus
/mew ˈdews/
The English phrase "omg" is translated into Portuguese as meu Deus.
meu Deus is a common exclamation used to express surprise, shock or disbelief. It is versatile and can be used for both positive surprise, such as seeing something beautiful and negative shock, such as hearing bad news.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase meu Deus literally translates to "my God".
Which one should you use?
meu Deus do céu is a common emphatic variation of meu Deus, translating to "my God in heaven".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
meu Deus is an informal expression. You may also use the informal phrase Meu Deus do céu! to express astonishment.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the expression Santo Deus! is frequently used to convey an intense level of surprise or awe. Additionally, the Brazilian slang term Caraca! can be used to express surprise or awe.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Portuguese, meu Deus is frequently used as an interjection with an exclamation mark to emphasize emotional intensity.
How do you pronounce it?
/mew ˈdews/
Did you know?
- Portuguese speakers often pair the phrase meu Deus with a specific gesture, such as placing a hand over the heart or forehead.
- The word Deus comes from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'sky' or 'heaven', linking the concept of a deity directly to the heavens.
- Speakers may use meu Deus as a filler word during a story to build suspense, rather than to express actual shock.
Examples in context
- Caraca! Você viu o novo carro do Pedro? É incrível!OMG! Did you see Pedro's new car? It's amazing!
- Meu Deus, que susto!OMG, what a fright!
- Meu Deus, eu não acredito nisso.OMG, I don't believe this.
- Meu Deus, que presente lindo!OMG, what a beautiful gift!
Example conversation
Felipe and Beatriz see a very large spider in the living room.
- FelipeMeu Deus, Beatriz, olha aquele bicho!OMG, Beatriz, look at that bug!
- BeatrizAi, meu Deus, que horror!Oh, OMG, how horrible!
- FelipeEu vou pegar uma vassoura.I'm going to get a broom.
- BeatrizCuidado para não encostar nele!Be careful not to touch it!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry meu Deus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Deus, deus, meu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
