Portuguese · People & Family
"Wife" in Portuguese: esposa / mulher
a esposa / a mulher
Wife in Portuguese is a esposa or a mulher. Esposa is clear and polite. Mulher can mean wife in context (minha mulher) but also simply woman, so esposa is safer for learners.
Introduction
Esta é a minha esposa, a Carla.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce esposa / mulher
Say it
es-POH-zah / moo-LYEHR
/mu.ˈʎeʁ/, /es.ˈpo.za/
es-POH-zah / moo-LYEHR.
"Wife" in Portuguese: quick reference
| Portuguese | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| a esposa | the wife Clear formal/neutral word. | Clear formal/neutral word. |
| minha esposa | my wife Safe introduction. | Safe introduction. |
| a mulher | the wife / the woman Minha mulher often means my wife in context. | Minha mulher often means my wife in context. |
| esposinha | wifey (affectionate) Playful intimate tone. | Playful intimate tone. |
How to use esposa / mulher in real life
- 1Introduction
Esta é a minha esposa, a Carla.
This is my wife, Carla.
Minha esposa is unambiguous.
- 2Family story
Minha esposa trabalha em home office.
My wife works from home.
Everyday life talk.
- 3Restaurant booking
A reserva é no nome da minha esposa.
The reservation is in my wife's name.
Formal service context.
Mistakes English speakers make with esposa / mulher
Incorrect: Meu esposa.
Correct: Minha esposa.
Esposa is feminine: minha esposa.
Incorrect: Minha wife.
Correct: Minha esposa. / Minha mulher.
Use Portuguese esposa or mulher.
Good to know
Many Brazilian men say minha mulher for my wife in casual speech. Esposa sounds clear in introductions and paperwork. Because mulher also means woman in general, esposa avoids confusion when the marriage context is not obvious.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Meeting a couple at a barbecue
ChatPal
Sua esposa come carne?
Does your wife eat meat?
You
Minha esposa é vegetariana.
My wife is vegetarian.
ChatPal
Beleza. Vou separar um prato para sua esposa.
Got it. I'll set aside a plate for your wife.
You
Obrigado. A esposa vai gostar.
Thanks. My wife will like that.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Wife" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Wife" in Portuguese
Esposa or mulher?
Both can mean wife. Esposa is clearer for learners.
How do I say my wife?
Minha esposa or minha mulher.
Is esposa feminine?
Yes: a esposa, minha esposa.
Does mulher always mean wife?
No. Alone it often just means woman.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
