Learning how to say basic words and phrases in another language, like “cough,” can be both practical and fun. Whether you’re planning a trip to a Portuguese-speaking country or simply want to expand your vocabulary, knowing how to say “cough” in Portuguese can come in handy. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to express this term, with some tips and examples along the way.
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Formal Ways to Say “Cough” in Portuguese:
When it comes to formal language, understanding the appropriate terms is crucial. Here are a few formal ways to say “cough” in Portuguese:
- 1. Tosse: This is the most common and standard term for “cough” in Portuguese. It is widely understood and used in both Portugal and Brazil. For example, you could say: “A paciente estava com uma tosse persistente” (The patient had a persistent cough).
- 2. Coqueluche: This is a more specific term often used to refer to the medical condition known as whooping cough. It’s important to note that using “coqueluche” may indicate a more severe or contagious form of cough. For instance, you could say: “A coqueluche é uma doença grave, especialmente em crianças” (Whooping cough is a serious disease, especially in children).
Informal Ways to Say “Cough” in Portuguese:
Informal language is commonly used among friends, family, and in casual settings. Here are a few informal ways to say “cough” in Portuguese:
- 1. Tossir: This is the informal verb form of “cough.” It can be used in various situations, including conversations with friends and family. For example, you could say: “Ela não parava de tossir a noite toda” (She kept coughing all night long).
- 2. Dar uma tosse: Informally, one can use the phrase “dar uma tosse” to indicate the act of coughing. For instance, you could say: “Assim que sentiu o frio, começou a dar uma tosse muito forte” (As soon as he felt the cold, he started coughing really hard).
Regional Variations:
While the terms mentioned above are widely used across Portuguese-speaking regions, it’s worth noting that slight regional variations may exist. Here are a couple of examples:
- 1. Brazil: In Brazil, you may occasionally hear the informal term “engasgar” to refer to coughing, especially when it involves choking or struggling to breathe. For example, you could say: “Ele engasgou e começou a tossir” (He choked and started coughing).
TIP: Remember, when traveling to or interacting with native speakers from a specific Portuguese-speaking region, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with local variations to ensure effective communication.
Examples:
Let’s explore a few examples that demonstrate the usage of the previously mentioned terms:
- 1. “A minha avó está com uma tosse muito irritante.” (My grandmother has a very irritating cough.)
- 2. “Depois de engasgar com a comida, comecei a tossir descontroladamente.” (After choking on my food, I started coughing uncontrollably.)
- 3. “As crianças estão tossindo muito na sala de espera.” (The children are coughing a lot in the waiting room.)
- 4. “Não conseguia parar de dar uma tosse durante a reunião.” (I couldn’t stop coughing during the meeting.)
Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you use these terms in context, the more comfortable and natural they will become to you.
In conclusion, it’s essential to know how to say “cough” in Portuguese, both formally and informally. The formal terms, such as “tosse” and “coqueluche,” are widely understood, while the informal ways like “tossir” and “dar uma tosse” are commonly used in casual settings. Remember to consider regional variations, such as “engasgar” in Brazil. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll feel confident using these terms while conversing with Portuguese speakers.
TIP: To improve your language skills further, it’s beneficial to practice with native speakers or consider enrolling in a language course or online programs. Immersion is an excellent way to deepen your understanding and fluency.
