minha nossa senhora

Portuguese

Alternative forms

• nossa senhora!
• minha nossa!

Etymology

Literally, “my our lady!” This usually refers to Mary (mother of Jesus).

Pronunciation

 

• (Brazil) IPA^(key): /ˈmĩ.ɲɐ ˈnɔ.sɐ sẽˈɲɔ.ɾɐ/ [ˈmĩ.j̃ɐ ˈnɔ.sɐ sẽˈj̃ɔ.ɾɐ]

• (Brazil) IPA^(key): /ˈmĩ.ɲɐ ˈnɔ.sɐ sẽˈɲɔ.ɾɐ/ [ˈmĩ.j̃ɐ ˈnɔ.sɐ sẽˈj̃ɔ.ɾɐ]
  • (Southern Brazil) IPA^(key): /ˈmi.ɲa ˈnɔ.sa seˈɲɔ.ɾa/

• (Portugal) IPA^(key): /ˈmi.ɲɐ ˈnɔ.sɐ sɨˈɲo.ɾɐ/

Interjection

minha nossa senhora!

1. oh my God!; good Lord!; Jesus! (said in shock, awe or dismay)

Usage notes

This phrase is sometimes used with a name of a female saint:

• "minha nossa senhora de Fátima!"
• "minha nossa senhora de Lourdes!"

Usually, no name is added, just: "minha nossa senhora!"