senhor
polite, Brazil
The Brazilian word for "sir" is senhor. In casual speech people say seu before a first name, as in seu João. It is also called Doutor.
Meaning: polite address for a man (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| senhor | polite, Brazil |
| Seu | before a name, respectful |
| Doutor | respectful, for a professional |
Use senhor with strangers, older men and in customer service, as in Pois não, senhor. The form o senhor often replaces você when you speak to an older man.
Which one should you use?
Seu is a shortened form of senhor and is friendly and respectful at once. Brazilians also call professionals doutor, even when they are not doctors.
How does it change in a sentence?
The female form is senhora, and a senhora replaces você when talking to an older woman.
Did you know?
- In Brazil the polite o senhor is used with a verb in the third person, so a question to an older man begins O senhor quer… rather than Você quer…
Examples in context
- Pois não, senhor. Em que posso ajudar?Yes, sir. How can I help?
- Bom dia, seu João!Good morning, Mr. João!
- O senhor aceita um café?Would you like a coffee, sir?
Example conversation
Waiter Bruno serves an elderly guest, Seu Antônio, at a restaurant in São Paulo.
- BrunoBoa noite, senhor. Já escolheu?Good evening, sir. Have you chosen?
- Seu AntônioJá. Um filé com arroz, por favor.I have. A steak with rice, please.
- BrunoPois não, seu Antônio.Of course, Mr. Antônio.
