Portuguese · People & Family

"Widow" in Portuguese: viúva

a viúva

Say it: vee-OO-vahfeminine · a viúvanoun/vi.ˈú.va/

A widow in Portuguese is a viúva. The masculine viúvo is a different word. Speak gently—status talk can be sensitive.

Family intro

Minha tia ficou viúva três anos.
My aunt became a widow three years ago.
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How to pronounce viúva

Say it

vee-OO-vah

/vi.ˈú.va/

vee-OO-vah

"Widow" in Portuguese: quick reference

PortugueseEnglish
a viúvathe widow

Feminine headword.

viúva delehis widow

Relation.

ficou viúvabecame a widow

Life event.

pensão da viúvawidow's pension

Admin.

How to use viúva in real life

  1. 1Family intro

    Minha tia ficou viúva três anos.

    My aunt became a widow three years ago.

    Gentle timeline.

  2. 2Forms

    Ela assinou como viúva do titular.

    She signed as the account holder's widow.

    Paperwork.

  3. 3Neighborhood

    A viúva do segundo andar cultiva rosas.

    The widow on the second floor grows roses.

    Everyday reference.

Mistakes English speakers make with viúva

Incorrect: Ela é viúvo.

Correct: Ela é viúva.

Viúva is the widow; viúvo does not count for this entry.

Incorrect: Um viúva.

Correct: Uma viúva.

Feminine article.

Good to know

Brazilians usually say viúva with respect and without drama. In paperwork you will see viúva de followed by the late spouse's name.

Try it in a ChatPal conversation

Updating a bank form carefully

  1. ChatPal

    No formulário ela aparece como viúva?

    On the form does she appear as a widow?

  2. You

    Sim. É a viúva do meu tio.

    Yes. She's my uncle's widow.

  3. ChatPal

    Ok—trato com cuidado.

    Okay—I'll handle it carefully.

  4. You

    Obrigada. Ela agradece a paciência.

    Thanks. She appreciates the patience.

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"Widow" in other languages

FAQ

Common questions about "Widow" in Portuguese

Widow?

A viúva.

Widower?

O viúvo—different word, not this entry.

Became a widow?

Ficou viúva.

Article?

Uma / a viúva.

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