HIV
/aˈɡa ˈi ˈve/masculine
HIV is the Portuguese translation for human immunodeficiency virus. If unsure, use HIV. Wiktionary also lists VIH.
Meaning: human immunodeficiency virus (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| HIV | /aˈɡa ˈi ˈve/ (Brazil) /ɐˈɡa ˈi ˈve/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| VIH | /ˈve ˈi aˈɡa/ (Brazil) /ˈve ˈi ɐˈɡa/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
The term refers to the human immunodeficiency virus. It is used as an acronym identical to its English counterpart.
Which one should you use?
HIV is the common acronym used in Brazil, whereas VIH is the standard acronym used in Portugal and other Lusophone countries. VIH follows the Portuguese word order for Vírus de Imunodeficiência Humana.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, HIV is very common and you may also hear the term AIDS used interchangeably when referring to the infection or disease. In Portugal, HIV is frequently used, but SIDA is also commonly heard.
How does it change in a sentence?
The acronym is masculine because it refers to o vírus (the virus).
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈɡa ˈi ˈve/
Did you know?
- In Brazil, people often say AIDS to refer to the virus itself, whereas in English, 'AIDS' strictly refers to the later stage of the infection.
- The use of VIH is the standard across most African countries that speak Portuguese, such as Angola and Mozambique.
- Depending on the region, the acronym VIH is pronounced using the Portuguese alphabet, making it sound distinct from the English 'H-I-V'.
Examples in context
- Os preservativos sempre previnem a transmissão do HIV?Do condoms always prevent HIV transmission?This sentence is useful for discussing the prevention of transmission using HIV.Tatoeba #10720820 by ajdavidl, translation #9805492 by Igider
- Muitas mulheres pós-menopausa não percebem que ainda correm o risco de contrair HIV.Many postmenopausal women don't realize that they are still at risk of HIV.This sentence is useful for highlighting the risks of contracting HIV.Tatoeba #5080945 by lucasmg123, translation #3899117 by fekundulo
- O Quénia vai receber novo apoio para prevenir e tratar o VIH/SIDA entre as raparigas adolescentes.Kenya will be getting new support to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS among adolescent girls.This sentence is useful for discussing support for the prevention and treatment of VIH/SIDA.Tatoeba #12325954 by Cangarejo, translation #12325953 by Cangarejo
- O HIV é uma preocupação global.HIV is a global concern.
- A Síndrome de Imunodeficiência Adquirida é uma doença grave.Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is a serious disease.
- O vírus HIV pode ser transmitido de várias maneiras.The HIV virus can be transmitted in various ways.
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Camila are discussing health screenings at a clinic.
- LucasEu vou fazer o teste do HIV hoje.I am going to take the HIV test today.
- CamilaIsso é muito importante para a sua saúde.That is very important for your health.
- LucasSim, o diagnóstico precoce do HIV ajuda muito.Yes, an early diagnosis of HIV helps a lot.
- CamilaCom certeza, Lucas. Boa sorte com os exames.For sure, Lucas. Good luck with the exams.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hiv” translations and entries HIV, VIH, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
