professor
male, Brazil
In Brazilian Portuguese "teacher" is professor for a man and professora for a woman. Very young children in Brazil sometimes call their teacher tia or tio.
Meaning: person who teaches (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| professor | male, Brazil |
| professora | female, Brazil |
| tia | young children, casual, Brazil |
Students call out professor or professora when they want attention, with or without a name. In nurseries and early grades, tia is a warm and common title.
Which one should you use?
Mestre is a more elevated word for an expert teacher of a craft or art, used for example for a capoeira teacher.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural for a mixed group is professores. The word docente is a formal term for teaching staff.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, Teachers' Day is celebrated on October 15.
Examples in context
- A professora chegou.The teacher has arrived.
- Meu professor de inglês é ótimo.My English teacher is great.
- Obrigada, tia!Thank you, teacher!
Example conversation
Ana, a student, asks her Professora Marta a question after class.
- AnaProfessora, posso tirar uma dúvida?Teacher, can I ask a question?
- Professora MartaClaro, pode falar.Of course, go ahead.
- AnaObrigada!Thank you!
