meu: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very High (in French), Medium (in Portuguese)Formal and informal in both languages
Quick answer
What does “meu” mean?
A French possessive adjective meaning 'my' (masculine singular form).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A French possessive adjective meaning 'my' (masculine singular form).
In French, used to indicate possession or association with a masculine singular noun. Also appears in Portuguese as a possessive pronoun meaning 'mine' (masculine singular).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Not an English word; British and American English treat it as a French/Portuguese loanword with identical usage.
Connotations
When used in English contexts, suggests French/Portuguese influence or affectation.
Frequency
Extremely rare in English except in specific contexts (language learning, cultural references, proper names).
Grammar
How to Use “meu” in a Sentence
[meu] + masculine singular noun (Portuguese)[meu] + masculine singular noun beginning with vowel/h-muet (French)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meu” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable
American English
- Not applicable
adverb
British English
- Not applicable
American English
- Not applicable
adjective
British English
- C'est mon livre préféré. (French)
American English
- This is my favorite book. (English equivalent)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare except in French/Portuguese business correspondence
Academic
In linguistics or language studies
Everyday
Common in French/Portuguese speech
Technical
Not applicable
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meu”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meu”
- Using 'meu' with feminine nouns in French
- Using 'meu' as adjective in Portuguese
- Pronouncing as /mjuː/ like English 'mew'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'meu' is primarily a French and Portuguese word, though it may appear in English contexts as a loanword.
The feminine singular form is 'ma' (e.g., ma maison = my house).
No, for plural nouns in French use 'mes', and in Portuguese use 'meus' (masculine) or 'minhas' (feminine).
Pronounce it as /mø/ with rounded lips, similar to German 'ö' or French 'eu' in 'feu'.
A French possessive adjective meaning 'my' (masculine singular form).
Meu is usually formal and informal in both languages in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Entre nous soit dit (Between you and me)”
- “À mon avis (In my opinion)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'ME + U' = something belonging to ME and YOU understand it's possessive.
Conceptual Metaphor
POSSESSION IS PROXIMITY (something close/attached to self)
Practice
Quiz
In which language is 'meu' used as a possessive adjective?