Are you interested in learning how to say “choke” in Portuguese? Whether you want to know the formal or informal ways to express this word, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we will explore different ways to convey the meaning of “choke” in Portuguese, while also providing tips, regional variations (if necessary), and numerous examples to help you grasp the language more effectively.
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Formal Ways to Say “Choke” in Portuguese
If you wish to express the word “choke” formally in Portuguese, you can use the term “asfixiar.” This term encompasses the idea of experiencing suffocation or losing one’s breath due to a blockage in the airways. “Asfixiar” is commonly used in more serious contexts, such as medical discussions or formal situations.
Example:
A criança quase asfixiou com o brinquedo.
(The child almost choked on the toy.)
Another formal way to refer to choking in Portuguese is by using the word “engasgar.” This verb emphasizes the physical action of having something stuck in your throat, leading to temporary breathing difficulties or coughing.
Example:
Eu engasguei com essa comida.
(I choked on this food.)
Informal Ways to Say “Choke” in Portuguese
Now, let’s explore some informal ways to say “choke” in Portuguese. These terms are commonly used in everyday conversations among friends, family, or in informal contexts.
In Brazilian Portuguese, the informal way to convey the idea of choking is to use the word “engasgar” as well. However, it is often conjugated differently:
- 1st person singular: eu engasgo (I choke)
- 2nd person singular: você engasga (you choke)
- 3rd person singular: ela/ele engasga (she/he chokes)
- 1st person plural: nós engasgamos (we choke)
- 2nd person plural: vocês engasgam (you all choke)
- 3rd person plural: elas/eles engasgam (they choke)
Example:
Você não sabe comer, sempre engasga.
(You don’t know how to eat, you always choke.)
In Portugal, the informal term for “choking” is often expressed by using the verb “engasgar” or its alternative form “engasgarrar.” While the conjugation is similar to Brazilian Portuguese, there may be slight regional variations.
Example:
Ele engasgou-se com um bocado de pão.
(He choked on a piece of bread.)
Tips for Learning Portuguese Vocabulary
Learning a new language can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it becomes an exciting journey. Here are some tips to help you improve your Portuguese vocabulary:
- Immerse yourself: Surround yourself with Portuguese-speaking media, such as music, movies, or even podcasts, to get accustomed to the language’s sounds and vocabulary.
- Practice with native speakers: Find conversation partners or join language exchange programs to practice speaking Portuguese with native speakers. This will help you gain confidence and improve your vocabulary.
- Use flashcards: Create flashcards with Portuguese words and their English translations. Review them regularly to reinforce your knowledge of vocabulary.
- Read extensively: Start with simple texts, such as children’s books or graded readers, and gradually move on to more complex materials. Reading will expose you to new words and sentence structures.
- Keep a vocabulary notebook: Jot down new words, their meanings, and example sentences. This will allow you to review and revise new vocabulary regularly.
By incorporating these tips into your language learning routine, you’ll enhance your Portuguese vocabulary and fluency over time.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned both the formal and informal ways to say “choke” in Portuguese, as well as some helpful tips for expanding your vocabulary, you are well on your way to becoming more proficient in the language. Remember, practice is key, so seize every opportunity to use Portuguese in real-life conversations. Boa sorte! (Good luck!)
