aunt

[/ɑːnt/ or /ænt/]
nounfemininepl: aunts
tia
1. The sister of one's parent
My aunt lives in the countryside.
Minha tia mora no interior.
2. The wife of one's uncle
I spent Christmas with my aunt and uncle.
Passei o Natal com minha tia e tio.
3. A female friend of one's parents, often used as a term of respect (informal)
Aunt Mary babysat us when we were young.
A tia Mary nos cuidava quando éramos pequenos.
In both Brazilian and American cultures, aunts often play significant roles in family gatherings and childcare. In Brazil, 'tia' is commonly used as a term of respect for unrelated older women or female teachers. In the USA, 'aunt' can be used informally to show affection or respect toward family friends.
NYC Slang
auntie (term of respect for older women in community, not necessarily family)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
auntieaunty

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
tia
Standard term used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
tia
Same as standard; sometimes informal 'titia' used affectionately
São Paulo
tia
Standard usage; may use 'titia' in family contexts
Portugal
tia
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; European Portuguese uses identical term

Related Words

unclecousinniecenephewparentsibling

Related Idioms & Phrases

Auntie's house (safe place or refuge)
Like clockwork (used to describe aunt's predictable behavior)
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