mulher
neutral, Brazil
In Brazilian Portuguese "woman" is mulher. For polite address to an older woman, senhora is used, and moça is a friendly word for a young woman.
Meaning: adult female person (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| mulher | neutral, Brazil |
| senhora | polite, older |
| moça | young woman, Brazil |
Mulher is the neutral word and also means "wife", as in minha mulher. Moça sounds friendly and a little traditional, and senhora shows respect.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural is mulheres. The related expression mulher de verdade means "a real woman".
How do you pronounce it?
The lh in mulher sounds like the "lli" in "million", so it is close to "moo-LYEHR".
Did you know?
- International Women's Day, Dia Internacional da Mulher, is observed in Brazil on March 8.
Examples in context
- Aquela mulher é professora.That woman is a teacher.
- A senhora quer ajuda?Would you like some help, ma'am?
- Essa moça trabalha aqui.This young woman works here.
Example conversation
A shop assistant, Dani, talks to an older Cliente (customer).
- DaniA senhora precisa de ajuda?Do you need help, ma'am?
- ClientePreciso sim, obrigada, moça.I do, thank you, miss.
- DaniVamos lá.Let us go.
