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How to Say ‘My brother is older.’ in Portuguese

O meu irmão é mais velho.

oo may-oo eer-MOWN eh mysh VEH-lyoo

[oo may-oo eer-MOWN eh mysh VEH-lyoo]

Phrase Breakdown

O meu irmão

oo may-oo eer-MOWN

My brother

Article plus possessive plus noun: one unit.

Example

O meu irmão vive no Porto.

My brother lives in Porto.

Words in this phrase

[oo]

the (masculine singular)

Article used before a masculine singular noun; often unstressed in speech.

Example

O bilhete é mais barato se comprares com antecedência.

The ticket is cheaper if you buy in advance.

meu

[may-oo]

Possessive word meaning my.

Example

O meu voo sai às nove.

My flight leaves at nine.

irmão

[eer-MOWN]

brother

Masculine noun for a male sibling.

Example

Tenho um irmão.

I have a brother.

é mais velho.

eh mysh VEH-lyoo

is older

Comparative: 'mais' + adjective.

Example

Ele é mais velho que eu.

He is older than me.

Words in this phrase

[eh]

Form of the verb ser meaning is.

Example

É aqui a fila certa.

The correct line is here.

mais

[mysh]

Used to ask for additional information or greater quantity.

Example

Quero saber mais antes de me candidatar.

I want to know more before applying.

velho

[VEH-lyoo]

old

Masculine singular adjective; 'mais velho' means older.

Example

O meu avô é velho.

My grandfather is old.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

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