engolir
/ẽ.ɡuˈli(ʁ)/
To swallow in Portuguese is engolir. If unsure, use engolir. Wiktionary also lists deglutir.
Meaning: to cause to pass from the mouth into the stomach (verb)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| engolir | /ẽ.ɡuˈli(ʁ)/ (Brazil) /ĩ.ɡuˈli(ʁ)/ (Brazil) |
| deglutir | /de.ɡluˈt͡ʃi(ʁ)/ (Brazil) /de.ɡluˈt͡ʃi(ɾ)/ (São Paulo) |
The primary way to say swallow is engolir, which refers to causing something to pass from the mouth into the stomach. Just like in English, it can be used metaphorically to mean accepting something unpleasant, such as an insult or a difficult situation. Note that the verb tragar can also mean to inhale.
Which one should you use?
While engolir is the common word for swallow, deglutir is a more technical or medical term used in formal contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The first-person singular past tense of engolir is engoli (I swallowed).
How do you pronounce it?
/ẽ.ɡuˈli(ʁ)/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, the expression engolir sapos literally means 'to swallow frogs' and describes the act of enduring insults without complaining.
- The word engolir is derived from the Latin gula, the same root used for the English word 'gluttony'.
- The word gola in engolir does not just mean the body part, but is also the Portuguese word for a shirt's 'collar'.
Examples in context
- Eu não consigo nem engolir.I can't even swallow.This sentence shows an inability to perform the action of swallowing using engolir.Tatoeba #10810312 by DavidDias, translation #6382877 by OsoHombre
- O remédio é ruim de engolir.The medicine is hard to swallow.This sentence describes medicine that is difficult to swallow using engolir.Tatoeba #1840813 by gleydin, translation #56608 by CK
- Tive de engolir seu insulto.I had to swallow his insult.This sentence illustrates the metaphorical use of the verb to accept an insult using engolir.Tatoeba #1916288 by alexmarcelo, translation #287447 by CM
- Eu vou engolir essa pílula amarga.I'm going to swallow this bitter pill.
- Você deve ingerir os comprimidos com água.You should swallow the tablets with water.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Beatriz and Gabriel are having breakfast at home.
- BeatrizGabriel, você consegue engolir esse pedaço de pão?Gabriel, can you swallow this piece of bread?
- GabrielSim, mas está um pouco seco.Yes, but it is a bit dry.
- BeatrizBeba um pouco de suco para ajudar.Drink some juice to help.
- GabrielObrigado, Beatriz. Agora ficou mais fácil.Thanks, Beatriz. Now it became easier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “swallow” translations and entries engolir, deglutir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
