doente
In Portuguese, the English word 'sick' is expressed as doente.
Doente is primarily an adjective meaning 'ill' or 'sick'. It can also function as a noun to mean 'a patient' in a medical context. Related terms for health include tosse (cough), dor de garganta (sore throat), dor de cabeça (headache) and dor de barriga (stomachache). If you need to deal with medical logistics, consulta refers to an appointment and receita refers to a prescription.
Meaning: ill, used as a substantive: sick people, collectively (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective doente changes based on gender and number: use doenta for a feminine subject and doentes for a plural subject. When describing your current state of health, use the verb estar (to be) rather than ser, because being sick is a temporary state.
What mistakes should you avoid?
When saying you are sick, avoid using the verb ser. Instead, use estar doente to correctly indicate that your illness is a temporary condition.
Did you know?
- If you want to say you feel 'sick to your stomach' in Portuguese, you wouldn't use doente, but would instead use the phrase enjoado.
- The word doente shares the same Latin root as the English word 'dolorous', which describes something causing great pain or distress.
- The term doente is closely related to the Spanish word doliente, which describes someone who is actually grieving.
Examples in context
- O Tom está doente?Is Tom sick?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is sick.Tatoeba #3555975 by Mijailovich, translation #2244639 by CK
- Eu não fico doente.I don't get sick.This sentence is useful for saying that one does not get sick.Tatoeba #4819406 by Ricardo14, translation #2271849 by CK
- Eu não estou doente.I'm not sick.This sentence is useful for stating that one is not currently sick.Tatoeba #2418087 by alexmarcelo, translation #2248178 by CK
- Eu estou doente. Preciso faltar ao trabalho amanhã.I am sick. I need to miss work tomorrow.
- Desculpe, mas estou enfermo e não poderei comparecer à reunião.I'm sorry, but I am sick and won't be able to attend the meeting.
- Hoje estou mal, acho que vou ficar em casa.I'm feeling sick today, I think I'll stay home.
- Ah, não! Você está dodói? Vou cuidar de você!Oh no! Are you feeling sick? I'll take care of you!
- 362 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Camila are talking about a sick friend at home.
- LucasO Pedro está doente?Is Pedro sick?
- CamilaSim, ele está muito doente.Yes, he is very sick.
- LucasVocê sabe se ele precisa de remédio?Do you know if he needs medicine?
- CamilaEu vou perguntar para ele agora.I will ask him now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries doente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
