Nossa
common, Brazil
In Brazilian Portuguese "wow" is most often Nossa. Brazilians also say Uau, borrowed from English, and Caramba for surprise.
Meaning: surprise or admiration (interjection)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Nossa | common, Brazil |
| Uau | borrowed, Brazil |
| Caramba | casual, Brazil |
Nossa is used for both good and bad surprise, as in Nossa, que linda! or Nossa, que susto! Caramba is milder and works with children.
Which one should you use?
Uau is more recent and appears in ads, comics and chats.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Nossa is short for Nossa Senhora and is used in much of Brazil.
Did you know?
- Nossa comes from Nossa Senhora, "Our Lady", and shortened to a single word it lost its religious tone.
Examples in context
- Nossa, que bonito!Wow, how beautiful!
- Uau, que surpresa!Wow, what a surprise!
- Caramba, que calor!Wow, what heat!
Example conversation
Tati sees her friend Rosana in a new dress.
- TatiNossa, que vestido lindo!Wow, what a beautiful dress!
- RosanaObrigada! É novo.Thanks! It is new.
- TatiFicou ótimo em você.It looks great on you.
