Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| uau | /ˈwaw/ (Brazil) /ˈwaw/ (Portugal) |
| uia | /ˈu.jɐ/ (Brazil) /ˈu.jɐ/ (Portugal) |
| nossa | /ˈnɔ.sɐ/ (Brazil) /ˈnɔ.sɐ/ (Portugal) |
| ena! |
Expressions in this group are used to convey amazement, admiration or shock. uau is a versatile expression used across all Portuguese-speaking countries to convey amazement or admiration. uia is a colloquial interjection often used to express sudden surprise or to react to a sudden movement or realization, similar to "whoa" or "whoops".
What does it mean word for word?
The word nossa literally means "our" (feminine), but in the context of an interjection, it is a shortened version of nossa senhora (our lady/Virgin Mary).
Which one should you use?
While uau is a direct loanword for "wow", nossa is a very common native alternative used to express surprise or amazement. uia differs by being used specifically for sudden surprise or reacting to a sudden movement or realization.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
uia is a colloquial form. nossa is an informal way to express shock, surprise or admiration. In Brazil, Caramba! is an informal equivalent of "wow" commonly used to express surprise or amazement, while in Portugal, Puxa! is a popular informal exclamation used to express astonishment.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, nossa is used as an informal way to express shock, surprise or admiration. In Portugal, particularly in Lisbon, Valha-me Deus! (translating to "Help me, God!") is used to express intense surprise or astonishment.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈwaw/
When do people say it?
In many Portuguese-speaking contexts, expressions of surprise often carry religious undertones. For example, the common informal nossa is a shortened religious reference and in Lisbon, Valha-me Deus! is used for intense surprise or astonishment.
Did you know?
- Although uau is the direct equivalent of 'wow', it can also be traced back to the Hebrew letter vav, which is a single-stroke character.
- The word nossa literally means 'our', making the expression a possessive adjective used as a standalone interjection.
Examples in context
- Uau, isso foi fácil.Wow, that was easy.This sentence shows how to use uau to remark on the ease of a task.Tatoeba #6570767 by heo598, translation #4494937 by CK
- Uau, você chutou ele!Wow, you kicked him!This sentence demonstrates using uau to react to someone's action.Tatoeba #12111865 by carlosalberto, translation #12111841 by carlosalberto
- Nossa! O que foi isso?Wow! What was that?This sentence shows how to use nossa to react to a sudden event.Tatoeba #8492474 by Ricardo14, translation #10123872 by DJ_Saidez
- Caramba, essa apresentação foi incrível!Wow, that performance was incredible!
- Que pôr do sol maravilhoso!What a beautiful sunset!
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juliana and Felipe are looking at a beautiful view from a balcony.
- JulianaUau, que vista maravilhosa!Wow, what a wonderful view!
- FelipeÉ verdade, é incrível.It's true, it is incredible.
- JulianaEu nunca tinha visto algo assim.I had never seen anything like this.
- FelipeRealmente, o lugar é lindo.Really, the place is beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wow” translations and entries uau, uia, nossa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nossa, uau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
