Whether you’re traveling to a Portuguese-speaking country or simply expanding your vocabulary, knowing how to say “ward” in Portuguese can be immensely helpful. Depending on the context, there are different translations and variations available. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to say “ward” in Portuguese, and provide you with tips, examples, and regional variations.
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Formal Ways to Say Ward
In formal situations or when you want to use a more official term, you can rely on the following translation:
1. Leito
The word “leito” is commonly used in Portuguese to refer to a ward, especially in medical settings. It conveys the idea of a designated area for patients in a hospital or clinic:
Após a cirurgia, o paciente será transferido para o leito 3B.
(After the surgery, the patient will be transferred to ward 3B.)
2. Sala
Another formal term for ward in Portuguese is “sala.” This word is more generic and can be used not only for medical wards but also for other designated areas:
A sala de isolamento é para pacientes com doenças contagiosas.
(The isolation ward is for patients with contagious diseases.)
Informal Ways to Say Ward
When speaking in a more casual or informal context, you can use the following terms:
1. Ala
“Ala” is a popular term used by Portuguese speakers to refer to a ward, especially in everyday conversations:
Eles visitaram a ala infantil do hospital.
(They visited the children’s ward of the hospital.)
2. Quarto
In informal situations, you can also use the word “quarto” to refer to a ward. It literally means “room” but is commonly understood to mean a hospital ward as well:
A minha avó está na UTI, no mesmo quarto do meu avô.
(My grandmother is in the ICU, in the same ward as my grandfather.)
Regional Variations
While Portuguese is predominantly spoken in Portugal and Brazil, it is also the official language in several other countries. Regional variations exist, and the terminology can differ slightly. Here are some examples:
1. Brazil
In Brazil, the term “enfermaria” can sometimes be used as an alternative to “ala.” It refers to the same concept of a ward:
A enfermaria geralmente possui quartos com mais de um paciente.
(The ward usually has rooms with more than one patient.)
2. Portugal
In Portugal, the term “enfermaria” is commonly used, similar to Brazil. However, the word “quarto” is also widely understood:
A enfermaria está no primeiro andar, ao lado dos quartos de repouso.
(The ward is on the first floor, next to the restrooms.)
Final Thoughts
Now that you have learned various ways to say “ward” in Portuguese, you’ll be able to effectively communicate in different situations. Remember to adapt your word choice based on the formality of the context. If you’re uncertain, defaulting to “leito” in formal settings and “ala” in informal settings would be a safe approach. Keep practicing and exploring the rich Portuguese language, and you’ll continue to broaden your linguistic horizons.
