indisposto
indisposto en 30 segundos
- Indisposto means slightly unwell.
- Use it for mild discomfort.
- It's less severe than 'doente' (sick).
- Remember gender/number agreement.
Understanding "Indisposto"
The Portuguese adjective "indisposto" is a common and useful word that describes a state of feeling slightly unwell or not at one's best. It's less severe than being "doente" (sick) but more than just feeling tired. Think of it as a general feeling of being "off," "unwell," or "indisposed." People use it to explain why they might be less energetic, need to cancel plans, or simply want to rest.
- Common Scenarios
- Canceling or postponing an event: "Não posso ir à festa, sinto-me um pouco indisposto." (I can't go to the party, I feel a bit unwell.)
- Explaining lack of energy: "Hoje estou indisposto, prefiro ficar em casa a descansar." (Today I'm feeling indisposed, I prefer to stay home and rest.)
- Describing mild physical discomfort: "Tenho uma ligeira dor de cabeça e sinto-me indisposto." (I have a slight headache and feel unwell.)
It's a polite and common way to express that you're not feeling 100% without needing to go into specific details about symptoms. It can apply to physical or sometimes even mental states where one feels a general lack of well-being.
Ele disse que estava indisposto e não podia comparecer à reunião.
Constructing Sentences with "Indisposto"
Using "indisposto" is straightforward, as it typically functions as an adjective describing a subject. The most common structure involves the verb "estar" (to be) followed by "indisposto." Remember that "indisposto" is a masculine adjective, so if referring to a female subject, it becomes "indisposta." In plural forms, it becomes "indispostos" (masculine plural) or "indispostas" (feminine plural).
- Basic Structure
- Subject + estar + indisposto/a/os/as.
Consider these examples to grasp the usage:
Eu sinto-me um pouco indisposto hoje.
Ela está indisposta e não veio trabalhar.
Os rapazes estavam indispostos depois da viagem longa.
- Adding Nuance
- You can add adverbs to modify the degree of indisposition: "um pouco indisposto" (a little indisposed), "bastante indisposto" (quite indisposed), "ligeiramente indisposto" (slightly indisposed).
- It can also be used with "sentir-se" (to feel oneself): "Sinto-me indisposto." (I feel indisposed.) This is very common.
Real-World Usage of "Indisposto"
"Indisposto" is a word you'll encounter frequently in everyday Portuguese conversations, particularly in informal and semi-formal settings. It's a staple in social interactions, healthcare contexts, and professional environments where politeness and a gentle way of expressing discomfort are valued.
- Social Gatherings
- Imagine you've been invited to a friend's house, but you woke up feeling a bit off. You might call your friend and say, "Desculpa, não vou poder ir hoje. Sinto-me um pouco indisposto." (Sorry, I won't be able to come today. I feel a bit indisposed.) This is a very common and polite way to decline an invitation.
- At Work or School
- If you're not feeling up to a full day of work or study, you might inform your colleague or teacher: "Preciso de sair mais cedo hoje, estou a sentir-me indisposto." (I need to leave earlier today, I'm feeling indisposed.) It's a way to signal that you're not at your peak performance without causing alarm.
- Doctor's Office
- When speaking to a doctor or nurse, "indisposto" can be used to describe a general feeling of malaise before detailing specific symptoms. "Venho porque me sinto indisposto há dois dias." (I'm coming because I've been feeling indisposed for two days.)
- Family Conversations
- Within a family, it's common to hear: "O pai está indisposto, não o incomodes muito." (Dad is indisposed, don't bother him too much.) It's a way to inform others about someone's state of health.
You'll often hear it in spoken Portuguese, especially when people are trying to be polite or when the ailment is not serious enough to warrant the word "doente" (sick). It implies a temporary state of not feeling well.
A minha avó disse que se sentia indisposta e decidiu descansar.
Avoiding Pitfalls with "Indisposto"
While "indisposto" is a relatively simple word, learners can sometimes make mistakes that affect the naturalness or correctness of their Portuguese. Understanding these common errors can significantly improve your fluency and accuracy.
- Gender and Number Agreement
- Mistake: Using "indisposto" when referring to a female subject or plural subjects without changing the ending.
- Correct: Remember that adjectives in Portuguese must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. For a female subject, use "indisposta." For plural subjects, use "indispostos" (masculine/mixed group) or "indispostas" (feminine group).
- Example: Incorrect: "A Maria está indisposto." Correct: "A Maria está indisposta." Incorrect: "Os meus amigos estão indisposto." Correct: "Os meus amigos estão indispostos."
- Overuse or Underuse
- Mistake: Using "indisposto" for serious illnesses or not using it when a mild discomfort is present.
- Correct: "Indisposto" is for mild, general unwellness. If someone has a high fever, severe pain, or a serious condition, "doente" (sick) or more specific terms are appropriate. Conversely, if you're feeling slightly unwell and want to express it politely, "indisposto" is the perfect choice, rather than saying nothing or exaggerating.
- Example: If you have the flu, saying "Estou indisposto" might sound like an understatement. If you just have a slight headache, saying "Estou doente" might sound too strong.
- Confusing with "Indisponível"
- Mistake: Mixing up "indisposto" (unwell) with "indisponível" (unavailable).
- Correct: "Indisposto" relates to health. "Indisponível" relates to availability. They sound similar but have entirely different meanings.
- Example: "Estou indisposto" means "I am unwell." "Estou indisponível" means "I am unavailable." You wouldn't say "Estou indisponível para ir à festa porque estou doente," you would say "Não posso ir à festa porque estou indisposto." (I can't go to the party because I am unwell.)
Ele disse que não podia jogar porque estava indisposto, não indisponível.
Exploring Synonyms and Alternatives for "Indisposto"
While "indisposto" is a versatile word, Portuguese offers other options to express similar feelings of not being well. Understanding these alternatives allows for more precise and nuanced communication.
- "Doente" (Sick)
- Meaning: "Doente" is the general word for "sick" or "ill." It implies a more significant health issue than "indisposto." When you use "doente," you are usually referring to a more pronounced illness, such as a cold, flu, or a more serious condition.
- Usage Comparison: If you have a fever and body aches, you are "doente." If you just feel a bit tired or have a slight headache, "indisposto" is more appropriate. Saying "Estou doente" when you are only slightly unwell can sometimes sound like an exaggeration.
- Example: "Ele não veio trabalhar porque está com gripe, está muito doente." (He didn't come to work because he has the flu, he is very sick.) vs. "Sinto-me um pouco indisposto, acho que preciso de descansar." (I feel a little unwell, I think I need to rest.)
- "Mal" (Badly/Poorly)
- Meaning: "Mal" can be used adverbially to mean "badly" or "poorly." When used with verbs like "sentir-se" (to feel), "sentir-se mal" means "to feel bad" or "to feel unwell." It's a very common and direct way to express feeling unwell.
- Usage Comparison: "Sentir-se mal" is often interchangeable with "sentir-se indisposto" for general feelings of unwellness. However, "sentir-se mal" can sometimes imply a slightly stronger feeling of discomfort or nausea than "indisposto," but the difference is subtle and context-dependent.
- Example: "Estou a sentir-me mal, acho que vou vomitar." (I'm feeling bad, I think I'm going to vomit.) vs. "Estou indisposto, preciso de um chá." (I'm indisposed, I need some tea.)
- "Enjoado/a" (Nauseous/Queasy)
- Meaning: This adjective specifically refers to feeling nauseous or queasy, often due to motion sickness, food poisoning, or pregnancy.
- Usage Comparison: If your unwellness is specifically characterized by a feeling of nausea, "enjoado/a" is the most precise term. "Indisposto" is a more general term that doesn't necessarily imply nausea.
- Example: "Depois de andar de barco, fiquei enjoada." (After riding the boat, I felt queasy.) vs. "Estou indisposto porque comi algo que não me fez bem." (I'm indisposed because I ate something that didn't agree with me.)
- "Abalado/a" (Shaken/Unsettled)
- Meaning: This adjective often describes someone who is emotionally or physically shaken or unsettled, usually after an event like an accident, a shock, or a strenuous experience.
- Usage Comparison: "Abalado/a" is typically used after a specific incident that has caused a disturbance. "Indisposto" refers to a more general state of not feeling well, not necessarily linked to a recent event.
- Example: "Ele ficou abalado depois do acidente de carro." (He was shaken after the car accident.) vs. "Estou indisposto e vou para cama cedo." (I'm indisposed and going to bed early.)
Ele não se sente bem e está indisposto, mas não está doente.
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
The Latin verb 'disponere' itself is composed of 'dis-' (apart, away) and 'ponere' (to put, to place). So, 'disponere' originally meant to place things apart or to arrange them. The 'in-' prefix negates this, suggesting a lack of proper arrangement or a state of being 'put out of sorts'.
Guía de pronunciación
- Misplacing the stress, for example, stressing the first syllable.
- Pronouncing the 's' sound too strongly, making it sound like 'dis-pos-tu'.
- Incorrect vowel sounds, especially in the 'o' sound of 'pos'.
Nivel de dificultad
Recognizing 'indisposto' in text is generally easy, especially in contexts related to health or declining invitations. Its meaning is usually clear from the surrounding words.
Writing 'indisposto' correctly requires attention to gender and number agreement, which is a common challenge for learners of Portuguese.
Pronunciation is generally straightforward, but correct usage in spontaneous speech relies on understanding the nuance between 'indisposto' and other similar terms.
Understanding 'indisposto' when spoken is usually easy due to its common usage and clear pronunciation in context.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Adjective Agreement (Gender and Number)
Ele está indisposto. Ela está indisposta. Nós estamos indispostos. As meninas estão indispostas.
Using 'estar' for Temporary States
'Estar' is used to describe temporary conditions like health. 'Eu estou indisposto hoje.' (I am indisposed today.)
Using 'sentir-se' (to feel)
'Sentir-se indisposto' is a very common way to express feeling unwell. 'Ele sente-se indisposto.'
Using 'porque' (because) to show cause
Não fui à festa porque estava indisposto.
Using 'apesar de' (despite) to show contrast
Apesar de indisposto, ele foi trabalhar.
Ejemplos por nivel
Eu estou indisposto.
I am indisposed.
Simple statement using 'estar' + 'indisposto'.
Ele não comeu.
He did not eat.
Simple past tense of 'comer'.
Ela está cansada.
She is tired.
Using 'estar' + adjective 'cansada'.
O menino está doente.
The boy is sick.
Using 'estar' + adjective 'doente'.
Eu sinto-me mal.
I feel bad.
Using 'sentir-se' + 'mal'.
Não quero ir.
I don't want to go.
Negation with 'não' + verb 'querer'.
A menina dorme.
The girl sleeps.
Simple present tense of 'dormir'.
Hoje está frio.
Today it is cold.
Expressing weather with 'estar'.
Sinto-me um pouco indisposto hoje.
I feel a little indisposed today.
Using 'sentir-se' + adverb 'um pouco' + 'indisposto'.
Ela está indisposta e não vai sair.
She is indisposed and is not going out.
Agreement of 'indisposta' with 'ela' (feminine singular).
Por estar indisposto, ele ficou em casa.
Because he was indisposed, he stayed home.
Using 'por' + infinitive + 'indisposto' to express cause.
Nós estamos indispostos depois da festa.
We are indisposed after the party.
Plural agreement 'indispostos' with 'nós'.
Ele não quer comer porque se sente indisposto.
He doesn't want to eat because he feels indisposed.
Using 'porque' to connect clauses, and 'sentir-se'.
A minha amiga está indisposta, não pode vir.
My friend is indisposed, she can't come.
Using 'indisposta' for a female friend ('amiga').
Estou um pouco indisposto, preciso de descansar.
I am a little indisposed, I need to rest.
Connecting two clauses with a comma and implied 'e' (and).
Os meus irmãos estão indispostos.
My brothers are indisposed.
Plural masculine agreement 'indispostos' with 'irmãos'.
Ele disse que estava indisposto e por isso não compareceu à reunião.
He said he was indisposed and therefore did not attend the meeting.
Using 'estava indisposto' in the past, and 'por isso' (therefore).
Embora me sinta indisposto, vou tentar ir trabalhar.
Although I feel indisposed, I will try to go to work.
Using 'embora' (although) followed by the subjunctive mood (though implied here with 'sinta').
A indisposição dele durou apenas um dia.
His indisposition lasted only one day.
Using the noun form 'indisposição'.
Ela sentiu-se indisposta após comer algo estragado.
She felt indisposed after eating something spoiled.
Past tense 'sentiu-se indisposta' and preposition 'após' (after).
Temos de ser compreensivos com quem está indisposto.
We have to be understanding with those who are indisposed.
Using 'com quem' (with those who) and the infinitive 'ser'.
Não me sinto bem o suficiente para sair, estou bastante indisposto.
I don't feel well enough to go out, I am quite indisposed.
Using 'suficiente para' (enough to) and adverb 'bastante' (quite).
A falta de sono deixou-o indisposto.
Lack of sleep left him indisposed.
Using 'deixar' (to leave) to show consequence.
Esperamos que ela se recupere rapidamente da indisposição.
We hope she recovers quickly from the indisposition.
Using 'recuperar-se de' (to recover from) and the noun 'indisposição'.
Apesar de se sentir indisposto, ele insistiu em participar na conferência.
Despite feeling indisposed, he insisted on participating in the conference.
Using 'apesar de' (despite) + infinitive + 'indisposto', and 'insistir em'.
A sua contínua indisposição levou-o a procurar aconselhamento médico.
His continuous indisposition led him to seek medical advice.
Using the noun 'indisposição' and 'procurar aconselhamento médico' (seek medical advice).
Ele estava indisposto, mas disfarçou bem para não preocupar os colegas.
He was indisposed, but he masked it well so as not to worry his colleagues.
Using 'disfarçar' (to mask/disguise) and 'para não' (so as not to).
A mudança de clima pode deixar algumas pessoas indispostas.
The change in climate can make some people indisposed.
Using 'deixar' + object + 'indisposto' to describe a cause and effect.
Se te sentires indisposto, não hesites em pedir ajuda.
If you feel indisposed, do not hesitate to ask for help.
Conditional clause using 'se' + subjunctive, and 'não hesites em'.
A sua postura demonstrava que estava indisposto, apesar das suas palavras otimistas.
His posture showed that he was indisposed, despite his optimistic words.
Using 'demonstrar' (to show) and contrasting clauses.
A indisposição passageira não o impediu de concluir o projeto.
The temporary indisposition did not prevent him from completing the project.
Using 'passageira' (temporary) to describe 'indisposição' and 'impedir de'.
É comum sentirmo-nos indispostos após uma noite mal dormida.
It is common to feel indisposed after a poorly slept night.
Using the impersonal 'É comum' + infinitive clause.
Apesar da sua notória indisposição, ele manteve a compostura durante todo o evento.
Despite his notorious indisposition, he maintained his composure throughout the entire event.
Using 'notória indisposição' (notorious indisposition) and 'manter a compostura' (maintain composure).
A sua persistente indisposição levantou preocupações entre os seus familiares.
His persistent indisposition raised concerns among his family members.
Using 'persistente indisposição' and 'levantar preocupações' (raise concerns).
O médico diagnosticou uma indisposição geral, sem causa aparente.
The doctor diagnosed a general indisposition, with no apparent cause.
Using 'diagnosticou' (diagnosed) and 'sem causa aparente' (with no apparent cause).
Ele tentou minimizar a sua indisposição, mas era evidente o seu desconforto.
He tried to downplay his indisposition, but his discomfort was evident.
Using 'minimizar' (to downplay) and 'era evidente' (was evident).
A indisposição súbita obrigou-o a abandonar a competição.
The sudden indisposition forced him to abandon the competition.
Using 'súbita' (sudden) and 'obrigou-o a' (forced him to).
A sua recusa em aceitar o convite deveu-se à indisposição que sentia.
His refusal to accept the invitation was due to the indisposition he felt.
Using 'recusa em' (refusal to) and 'deveu-se a' (was due to).
Mesmo indisposto, ele fez questão de cumprimentar todos os presentes.
Even indisposed, he made a point of greeting everyone present.
Using 'Mesmo indisposto' (Even indisposed) and 'fazer questão de' (make a point of).
A indisposição que o afetava era de natureza psicossomática.
The indisposition that affected him was psychosomatic in nature.
Using 'afetava' (affected) and 'de natureza psicossomática' (psychosomatic in nature).
A sua aparente indisposição era, na verdade, uma estratégia calculada para evitar o confronto.
His apparent indisposition was, in fact, a calculated strategy to avoid confrontation.
Using 'aparente indisposição' (apparent indisposition) and 'estratégia calculada' (calculated strategy).
A fragilidade da sua saúde manifestava-se numa constante indisposição.
The fragility of his health manifested itself in constant indisposition.
Using 'fragilidade da sua saúde' (fragility of his health) and 'manifestava-se em' (manifested itself in).
A indisposição generalizada que se instalou na equipa prejudicou o desempenho.
The generalized indisposition that settled in the team harmed the performance.
Using 'generalizada' (generalized) and 'prejudicou' (harmed).
Ele usava a sua indisposição como um escudo para se eximir de responsabilidades.
He used his indisposition as a shield to exempt himself from responsibilities.
Using 'como um escudo' (as a shield) and 'se eximir de' (to exempt oneself from).
A sua eloquente descrição da indisposição era quase poética.
His eloquent description of his indisposition was almost poetic.
Using 'eloquente descrição' (eloquent description) and 'quase poética' (almost poetic).
A atmosfera na sala era de apreensão, agravada pela indisposição de um dos convidados.
The atmosphere in the room was one of apprehension, aggravated by the indisposition of one of the guests.
Using 'atmosfera de apreensão' (atmosphere of apprehension) and 'agravada por' (aggravated by).
A sua aparente apatia mascarava uma profunda indisposição física e mental.
His apparent apathy masked a deep physical and mental indisposition.
Using 'aparente apatia' (apparent apathy) and 'mascarava' (masked).
A recuperação da sua indisposição foi lenta, mas marcada por uma determinação inabalável.
The recovery from his indisposition was slow, but marked by unwavering determination.
Using 'recuperação... foi lenta, mas marcada por' (recovery... was slow, but marked by) and 'determinação inabalável' (unwavering determination).
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— I need to rest, I'm indisposed.
Preciso de descansar, estou indisposto e cansado.
— He is indisposed and cannot work.
Ele está indisposto e não pode trabalhar hoje.
— A slight indisposition/unwellness.
Tive apenas uma ligeira indisposição, já estou melhor.
Se confunde a menudo con
'Indisposto' means unwell or slightly sick. 'Indisponível' means unavailable. They sound similar but have completely different meanings. You are 'indisposto' because of your health, and 'indisponível' because you cannot attend or do something.
'Mal' is often used with 'sentir-se' (sentir-se mal = to feel bad/unwell). While similar, 'indisposto' specifically refers to a state of being unwell, whereas 'sentir-se mal' can sometimes imply a stronger or more general feeling of sickness or discomfort.
'Doente' means sick or ill, implying a more significant health issue. 'Indisposto' is for milder, less severe unwellness.
Fácil de confundir
Similar pronunciation and spelling.
Indisposto refers to health (unwell). Indisponível refers to availability (unavailable). You might be indisposto and therefore indisponível for an event, but they are distinct concepts.
Estou indisposto, por isso não posso ir ao cinema (I am unwell, so I cannot go to the cinema). Ele está indisponível amanhã para a reunião (He is unavailable tomorrow for the meeting).
Both describe feeling unwell.
'Indisposto' is an adjective specifically describing a state of mild sickness. 'Mal' is an adverb (or noun) often used with 'sentir-se' ('sentir-se mal' = to feel bad/unwell). 'Indisposto' is more specific to a physical/mental state of not being well, while 'sentir-se mal' can be more general or even emotional.
Sinto-me indisposto hoje (I feel indisposed today). Sinto-me mal, preciso de me deitar (I feel bad, I need to lie down).
Both relate to health.
'Doente' means sick or ill, indicating a more serious or pronounced condition. 'Indisposto' is for mild unwellness, feeling 'under the weather' or slightly off. You are 'indisposto' before you become 'doente'.
Tenho uma constipação e estou indisposto (I have a cold and am indisposed). Com febre alta, ele está doente (With a high fever, he is sick).
Opposite meaning, but similar structure.
'Disposto' means willing, inclined, or energetic. It's the direct antonym of 'indisposto'. If you are 'indisposto', you are not 'disposto' to do something.
Ele está disposto a ajudar (He is willing to help). Ela sentiu-se indisposta e não quis sair (She felt indisposed and didn't want to go out).
Both describe feeling unwell.
'Enjoado' specifically means nauseous or queasy. 'Indisposto' is a more general term for feeling unwell, which may or may not include nausea.
Comi algo que me fez ficar enjoado (I ate something that made me feel nauseous). Estou indisposto porque não dormi bem (I am indisposed because I didn't sleep well).
Patrones de oraciones
Subject + estar + indisposto/a.
Eu estou indisposto.
Subject + sentir-se + indisposto/a.
Ela sente-se indisposta.
Estar + indisposto/a + e + [consequence].
Estou indisposto e vou ficar em casa.
Porque + [reason] + [consequence].
Porque estava indisposto, não fui à festa.
Apesar de + [state] + [action].
Apesar de indisposto, ele trabalhou.
Indisposição + [verb].
A indisposição dele durou dois dias.
Sentir + [degree] + indisposto/a.
Sinto-me bastante indisposto.
Subject + [verb] + indisposição + [adjective].
A sua indisposição era passageira.
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
Common
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Using 'indisposto' for serious illnesses.
→
Using 'doente' or more specific terms.
'Indisposto' implies mild unwellness. Using it for a severe condition like pneumonia would be an understatement and could be misleading.
-
Forgetting gender and number agreement.
→
Adjusting the ending: indisposto (m.sg), indisposta (f.sg), indispostos (m.pl), indispostas (f.pl).
Portuguese adjectives must agree with the noun. Saying 'A Maria está indisposto' is grammatically incorrect; it should be 'indisposta'.
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Confusing 'indisposto' with 'indisponível'.
→
Understanding that 'indisposto' relates to health and 'indisponível' to availability.
'Indisposto' means unwell. 'Indisponível' means unavailable. They sound similar but are entirely different. You might be indisposto and therefore indisponível, but they are not interchangeable.
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Using 'indisposto' when 'cansado' (tired) is more appropriate.
→
Using 'cansado' if the feeling is solely fatigue.
While indisposition can include tiredness, if the main issue is just fatigue from exertion, 'cansado' is the more precise term. 'Indisposto' suggests a more general unwellness.
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Overusing 'indisposto' for any feeling of 'bad'.
→
Using 'sentir-se mal' or other phrases when 'indisposto' doesn't fit perfectly.
'Sentir-se mal' is a broader term for feeling unwell. 'Indisposto' specifically refers to a state of mild sickness or discomfort, not necessarily a general feeling of being 'bad' in a broader sense.
Consejos
Master Gender and Number
Remember that 'indisposto' is an adjective and must agree with the subject. Use 'indisposto' for masculine singular, 'indisposta' for feminine singular, 'indispostos' for masculine/mixed plural, and 'indispostas' for feminine plural. This is a fundamental rule in Portuguese grammar.
When to Use 'Indisposto'
Use 'indisposto' for mild, general unwellness. It's perfect for when you're feeling a bit 'off', tired, or have a slight headache, but not seriously ill. It's a polite way to decline invitations or explain a lack of energy.
Indisposto vs. Doente
Think of 'indisposto' as a milder state than 'doente' (sick). If you have a fever or flu, you're 'doente'. If you just feel a bit sluggish or have a minor ache, you're 'indisposto'. Using 'indisposto' avoids sounding like you're exaggerating a minor ailment.
Stress and Sounds
The stress in 'indisposto' falls on the third syllable: in-dis-POS-to. Pay attention to the vowel sounds, especially the 'o' in 'pos', which is similar to the 'o' in 'hot' or 'go' depending on the accent. Practice saying it clearly.
Connect to 'Discomfort'
Think of 'indisposto' as being in 'dis-comfort'. This connection helps recall the meaning of feeling unwell or not at ease. The prefix 'in-' often negates or indicates a lack of something, so 'in-disposed' suggests a lack of being well or 'disposed' to function normally.
Sentence Building
Create your own sentences using 'indisposto' in different contexts. Try explaining why you can't attend an event, why you need to rest, or how a friend is feeling. The more you practice writing and speaking, the more natural it will become.
Beware of 'Indisponível'
Do not confuse 'indisposto' (unwell) with 'indisponível' (unavailable). They sound similar but have very different meanings. 'Indisponível' refers to not being able to do something or not being present for reasons other than health.
Degree of Unwellness
You can modify 'indisposto' with adverbs like 'um pouco' (a little), 'bastante' (quite), or 'ligeiramente' (slightly) to express the degree of unwellness. For example: 'Sinto-me um pouco indisposto.'
Alternatives for 'Unwell'
While 'indisposto' is common, you can also use 'sentir-se mal' (to feel bad/unwell) or 'não estar bem' (not feeling well). For specific symptoms like nausea, 'enjoado/a' is more precise.
Polite Expression
In Portuguese culture, 'indisposto' is a polite and socially acceptable way to express that you are not feeling well without causing alarm. It's often used to decline invitations gracefully.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Imagine you are 'in' a 'dis'comfort, feeling 'pos'itively unwell. The 'tu' at the end might remind you of 'too' unwell to function properly. So, 'in-dis-pos-tu' = 'in discomfort, too unwell'.
Asociación visual
Picture someone who is usually very energetic and 'disposed' to do things, but today they are lying on a couch, looking pale and unable to move. They are 'in-disposed' to do anything.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to use 'indisposto' or 'indisposta' in at least three sentences describing how you or someone else might feel on a day when they are not at their best, but not seriously ill.
Origen de la palabra
The word 'indisposto' comes from Latin. It is formed by the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not') and the past participle of the verb 'disponere' (meaning 'to arrange', 'to put in order', 'to dispose'). So, literally, it means 'not disposed' or 'not arranged'.
Significado original: Originally, it could mean not arranged or not ready. Over time, its meaning shifted to describe a state of being not well-disposed or not in good condition, leading to the modern sense of feeling unwell.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > PortugueseContexto cultural
Using 'indisposto' is generally safe and polite. It avoids potentially alarming others with stronger terms like 'doente' when the situation doesn't warrant it. It shows consideration for others' feelings and avoids oversharing personal health details.
In English, 'indisposed' carries a similar meaning of being slightly unwell and unable to do something, often used in a formal context. However, 'feeling a bit off' or 'under the weather' are more common informal equivalents.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Declining Social Invitations
- Não posso ir, sinto-me indisposto.
- Estou um pouco indisposto hoje.
- Desculpa, mas estou indisposto e prefiro ficar em casa.
Explaining Lack of Energy at Work/School
- Estou indisposto e não consigo concentrar-me.
- Preciso de ir para casa, estou indisposto.
- A minha indisposição impede-me de terminar o trabalho.
Describing Mild Physical Discomfort
- Sinto uma ligeira indisposição.
- Tenho uma indisposição geral.
- A indisposição passou rapidamente.
Communicating with Healthcare Professionals
- Venho porque me sinto indisposto.
- Tenho uma indisposição há dois dias.
- É uma indisposição passageira.
Family and Friend Interactions
- O pai está indisposto, não o incomodes.
- Espero que te sintas melhor em breve, se estás indisposto.
- Ela disse que estava indisposta e foi dormir.
Inicios de conversación
"How do you say 'I feel a bit unwell' in Portuguese?"
"What's the difference between 'indisposto' and 'doente'?"
"Can you give me an example of using 'indisposto' to cancel plans?"
"When would you use 'indisposto' instead of 'mal'?"
"How do you correctly say 'She is indisposed' in Portuguese?"
Temas para diario
Describe a time you felt 'indisposto' and what you did about it.
Write a short dialogue where one person is 'indisposto' and the other is offering help.
Imagine you need to call in sick to work. Write an email using 'indisposto' to explain your absence.
Compare and contrast 'indisposto' with 'cansado' (tired) and explain when you would use each.
Create a short story where the main character wakes up feeling 'indisposto' and has to adapt their day.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasThe main difference lies in the severity. 'Indisposto' means slightly unwell, feeling a bit off, or under the weather. It's a mild state. 'Doente' means sick or ill, implying a more significant health problem, such as a cold, flu, or a more serious condition. You might feel 'indisposto' before becoming 'doente'.
'Indisposto' is an adjective and must agree with the noun it modifies. For masculine singular, it's 'indisposto'. For feminine singular, it's 'indisposta'. For masculine plural (or mixed gender groups), it's 'indispostos'. For feminine plural, it's 'indispostas'. For example: 'Ele está indisposto', 'Ela está indisposta', 'Eles estão indispostos', 'As amigas estão indispostas'.
Yes, 'indisposto' can sometimes refer to a general feeling of mental malaise or being 'out of sorts' mentally, though it's more commonly associated with physical discomfort. If the mental aspect is more pronounced, terms like 'desanimado' (discouraged) or 'preocupado' (worried) might be more specific.
'Indisposto' is generally considered neutral. It can be used in both informal and semi-formal contexts. It's a polite way to express mild unwellness without being overly casual or overly dramatic. In very formal settings, you might hear 'apresenta indisposição'.
'Sentir-se indisposto' directly translates to 'to feel indisposed' or 'to feel unwell'. It's a very common and natural way to express that you are not feeling your best. For example: 'Sinto-me indisposto hoje, prefiro ficar em casa.' (I feel indisposed today, I prefer to stay home).
Yes, very common ones include 'Sinto-me indisposto', 'Estou um pouco indisposto', 'Ele está indisposto', and 'Ela está indisposta'. You'll also frequently hear 'uma ligeira indisposição' (a slight indisposition).
The direct opposite is 'disposto', which means willing, inclined, or energetic. Someone who is 'disposto' is ready and able to do things. Other antonyms related to health include 'bem' (well) and 'saudável' (healthy).
Yes, it can. For example, 'O meu filho está indisposto e não quer ir à escola.' (My son is indisposed and doesn't want to go to school.) You would use 'indisposto' if the child is male and 'indisposta' if the child is female.
While 'indisposto' can encompass nausea as part of general unwellness, the more specific word for feeling nauseous or queasy is 'enjoado/a'. If nausea is the primary symptom, 'enjoado/a' is a better choice. For example: 'Fiquei enjoada depois de andar de barco.' (I felt queasy after the boat ride).
This is a common point of confusion due to similar sounds. 'Indisposto' means unwell (health-related). 'Indisponível' means unavailable (cannot attend, not free). You could be indisposto, which makes you indisponível for an activity, but they are not synonyms. For example: 'Estou indisposto e por isso indisponível para a festa.' (I am unwell and therefore unavailable for the party).
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Summary
"Indisposto" is a polite and common way to say you're feeling a bit unwell or off, without implying a serious illness. Remember to adjust the ending for gender and number: indisposto (m.sg), indisposta (f.sg), indispostos (m.pl), indispostas (f.pl).
- Indisposto means slightly unwell.
- Use it for mild discomfort.
- It's less severe than 'doente' (sick).
- Remember gender/number agreement.
Master Gender and Number
Remember that 'indisposto' is an adjective and must agree with the subject. Use 'indisposto' for masculine singular, 'indisposta' for feminine singular, 'indispostos' for masculine/mixed plural, and 'indispostas' for feminine plural. This is a fundamental rule in Portuguese grammar.
When to Use 'Indisposto'
Use 'indisposto' for mild, general unwellness. It's perfect for when you're feeling a bit 'off', tired, or have a slight headache, but not seriously ill. It's a polite way to decline invitations or explain a lack of energy.
Indisposto vs. Doente
Think of 'indisposto' as a milder state than 'doente' (sick). If you have a fever or flu, you're 'doente'. If you just feel a bit sluggish or have a minor ache, you're 'indisposto'. Using 'indisposto' avoids sounding like you're exaggerating a minor ailment.
Stress and Sounds
The stress in 'indisposto' falls on the third syllable: in-dis-POS-to. Pay attention to the vowel sounds, especially the 'o' in 'pos', which is similar to the 'o' in 'hot' or 'go' depending on the accent. Practice saying it clearly.
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