Why Learn Portuguese Medical Vocabulary?
Understanding Portuguese medical terms is crucial for your safety and peace of mind. It allows you to describe your symptoms accurately, understand your doctor’s advice, and follow treatment instructions. This knowledge is especially important in emergency situations or when visiting local clinics where English may not be widely spoken.
Essential Vocabulary for Booking and Arriving at the Clinic
Making an Appointment
- Marcar uma consulta – To book an appointment
- Consulta médica – Medical appointment
- Médico/a – Doctor (male/female)
- Clínica – Clinic
- Hospital – Hospital
- Horário – Schedule
- Receção – Reception
Checking In
- Cartão de cidadão – Citizen card (ID)
- Cartão de saúde – Health card
- Seguro de saúde – Health insurance
- Fila de espera – Waiting line
- Ficha de inscrição – Registration form
Key Phrases to Describe Your Symptoms
- Estou doente – I am sick
- Sinto-me mal – I feel unwell
- Tenho dores – I have pain
- Dói-me aqui – It hurts here
- Tenho febre – I have a fever
- Tenho tosse – I have a cough
- Tenho dor de cabeça – I have a headache
- Estou com náuseas – I feel nauseous
- Estou com dificuldade em respirar – I am having trouble breathing
- Tenho alergia a… – I am allergic to…
Important Body Parts Vocabulary
- Cabeça – Head
- Garganta – Throat
- Peito – Chest
- Estômago – Stomach
- Pernas – Legs
- Braços – Arms
- Costas – Back
- Olhos – Eyes
- Ouvidos – Ears
- Boca – Mouth
Common Questions and Instructions from the Doctor
- O que sente? – What do you feel?
- Onde dói? – Where does it hurt?
- Há quanto tempo está assim? – How long have you felt this way?
- Tem alergias? – Do you have any allergies?
- Já tomou algum medicamento? – Have you taken any medication?
- Vou receitar um medicamento – I am going to prescribe a medication
- Precisa de exames – You need tests
Pharmacy and Prescription Terms
- Receita médica – Medical prescription
- Farmácia – Pharmacy
- Medicamento – Medicine
- Comprimidos – Tablets/pills
- Xarope – Syrup
- Pomada – Ointment
- Posologia – Dosage
- Efeitos secundários – Side effects
Emergency Vocabulary
- Emergência – Emergency
- Preciso de ajuda! – I need help!
- Chame uma ambulância! – Call an ambulance!
- Acidente – Accident
- Desmaio – Fainting
- Urgências – Emergency room
Tips for Effective Communication at the Doctor’s Office
- Speak slowly and clearly.
- Write down your symptoms in Portuguese before your visit.
- Use gestures to clarify if needed.
- Don’t hesitate to ask the doctor to repeat or explain terms.
- Take notes during the appointment to remember instructions.
Practice Makes Perfect with Talkpal
Mastering these must-know vocabulary words will make your doctor’s visits in Portugal much easier and less stressful. To build your confidence, practice these words and phrases regularly with a language partner or use interactive tools like Talkpal’s AI-powered language learning platform. The more familiar you are with medical Portuguese, the better you’ll be able to advocate for your health and well-being.
Conclusion
Learning Portuguese medical vocabulary is an essential skill for anyone living in or traveling to Portugal. By familiarizing yourself with these key words and phrases, you’ll be able to communicate your needs, understand your diagnosis, and follow treatment instructions with ease. Keep practicing, and remember that the team at Talkpal is here to support your language learning journey every step of the way!
