Mano
MAH-noo
How to say itPart of: Slang
“Bro; man.”
Mano is bro: short for irmão (brother), said to friends, São Paulo above all. Mana is the sister version, and both also mean a literal brother or sister. At the start of a sentence it is “man”: mano, que calor. Cara is the other “dude”, more neutral and everywhere; mano is younger and more street.
Looking for more Brazilian slang? Brazilian slang: the guide
SlangAll Brazilalso: mana, manin, mano véioReply: E aí, mano!
How Brazilians use it
“E aí, mano, beleza?”
“Hey, bro, all good?”
Greeting a friend.
“Mano, que calor hoje.”
“Man, it’s hot today.”
Opening a sentence.
“Ela é minha mana.”
“She’s my sister.”
The literal sibling, or a close friend.
“Valeu, mano, tamo junto.”
“Thanks, bro, I’ve got your back.”
Thanks and solidarity.
How to reply
- E aí, mano!The same back.
Similar expressions
Brazil vs Portugal
In Portugal mano is also brother, and as slang for bro it has spread among the young, often from Brazilian music; meu is the older Portuguese equivalent.
Common mistakes
- Don’t call your boss mano.
- Don’t confuse it with the Spanish mano (hand): in Portuguese hand is mão.
- Don’t read mano as always male: mana is the woman, and mano is also said to mixed groups of friends.
Frequently asked questions
What does mano mean in Portuguese?
Bro: short for irmão, brother. Said to friends, São Paulo above all, and also “man” at the start of a sentence: mano, que calor. Mana is the female form.
What is the difference between cara and mano?
Cara is dude, man: neutral, all ages, all Brazil. Mano is bro: younger, warmer, more street, and strongest in São Paulo.
Does mano mean hand?
In Spanish, yes. In Portuguese hand is mão, and mano is only brother or bro.
What does tamo junto mean?
“We’re together”: I’ve got your back, count on me. It often follows valeu, mano, and in texts it is tmj.