Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| enxaqueca | /ẽ.ʃaˈke.kɐ/ (Brazil) /ĩ.ʃaˈke.kɐ/ (Brazil) |
feminine |
| hemicrania | /e.mi.kɾaˈni.ɐ/ (Brazil) /i.mi.kɾɐˈni.ɐ/ (Portugal) |
The term refers to a headache that usually affects only one side of the head. To express that you have a migraine, you can use the verb ter (to have) or the phrase estar com (to be with). Common ways to describe the experience include mentioning nausea and light sensitivity (Estou com náuseas e sensibilidade à luz), a strong throbbing pain on one side of the head (Sinto uma forte dor latejante de um lado da cabeça) or how it impacts your life, such as hindering work productivity (As enxaquecas atrapalham minha produtividade no trabalho) or causing extreme tiredness afterward (Fico extremamente cansado(a) depois de uma enxaqueca). If you are seeking help, you might ask, Você conhece algum remédio bom para enxaqueca? (Do you know any good medicine for migraines?).
Which one should you use?
While enxaqueca is the common term for a migraine, hemicrania is a more technical and medical term used to describe pain occurring on one side of the head.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun enxaqueca is feminine. Consequently, when using the indefinite article for 'a migraine', you must use uma enxaqueca.
How do you pronounce it?
/ẽ.ʃaˈke.kɐ/. The word has four syllables and the stress is on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- The term enxaqueca is derived from the Andalusian Arabic word aš-šaqīqa. This root originally meant 'split' or 'divided'.
- In Brazilian Portuguese, the initial e in enxaqueca is often reduced or silent in casual speech. This makes the word sound as if it begins directly with the sh sound.
- In everyday conversation, a Portuguese speaker might use the word enxaqueca to describe any severe, throbbing headache, even if it lacks the specific symptoms required for a clinical migraine diagnosis.
Examples in context
- Eu acordei com enxaqueca.I woke up with a migraine.This sentence shows how to say you woke up with a migraine using enxaqueca.Tatoeba #5683113 by bill, translation #5683111 by Hybrid
- Sami estava com enxaqueca.Sami had a migraine headache.This sentence demonstrates how to say someone had a migraine using enxaqueca.Tatoeba #6583134 by carlosalberto, translation #6576048 by OsoHombre
- Tom sofreu de enxaqueca durante anos.For years, Tom suffered from migraine headaches.This sentence illustrates how to describe suffering from migraines over a period of time using enxaqueca.Tatoeba #904606 by alexmarcelo, translation #682105 by Source_VOA
- Excesso de estresse pode causar dores de cabeça intensas, como enxaquecas.Excessive stress can cause intense headaches, such as migraines.
- Hoje acordei com uma enxaqueca terrível. Não consigo nem abrir os olhos.Today I woke up with a terrible migraine. I can't even open my eyes.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe and Mariana are talking in the living room.
- FelipeVocê está bem? Parece que você está com dor.Are you okay? You look like you're in pain.
- MarianaNão, estou com uma enxaqueca muito forte hoje.No, I have a very strong migraine today.
- FelipeQuer que eu traga um remédio para você?Do you want me to bring you some medicine?
- MarianaSim, por favor, eu preciso de ajuda.Yes, please, I need help.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “migraine” translations and entries enxaqueca, hemicrania, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries enxaqueca, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
