🇧🇷 Portuguese phrases

How to Say "Brother" in Portuguese

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
irmão
"Brother" in Portuguese · say it like ear-mow

The most natural way to say "Brother" in Portuguese is irmão. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

mano
more casual and often used among friends
fratello
used in some regions, especially in informal contexts

When to use it

Use 'irmão' when referring to a brother in a familial context. It can also be used informally to refer to a close friend. In casual conversations, 'mano' is often preferred among younger people.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Brother" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Portuguese

PortugueseEnglish
Meu irmão é muito legal.My brother is very cool.
Eu vou ao cinema com meu irmão.I am going to the movies with my brother.
Common mistake
Some learners confuse 'irmão' with 'irmã', which means sister.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear irmão, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Portuguese with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use 'irmão' for friends?

Yes, it's common to use 'irmão' informally to refer to close friends.

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