It's used for physical harm to people and damage to objects.
Common in sports, medicine, and accident reports.
Remember it's a feminine noun.
Core Meaning
The Portuguese word 'lesão' refers to damage to a part of the body, typically caused by an accident, illness, or violence. It can also be used in a more general sense to describe any kind of damage or impairment, including to objects or systems.
Medical Context
In medicine, 'lesão' is a very common term. Doctors, nurses, and patients use it to describe injuries, wounds, bruises, sprains, fractures, and even more serious conditions like tumors or internal bleeding. It's a broad term that covers a wide range of physical harm.
Beyond the Body
'Lesão' isn't exclusively for physical harm to people. It can be used to describe damage to inanimate objects, such as a 'lesão' in a car's paintwork or a 'lesão' in a building's structure caused by an earthquake. It can also refer to impairments in abstract concepts, like a 'lesão' in the economy or a 'lesão' in someone's reputation.
Everyday Scenarios
You'll hear 'lesão' in many everyday situations. If someone falls and scrapes their knee, they might say, 'Eu fiz uma lesão no joelho.' (I got an injury on my knee.) An athlete might be concerned about a 'lesão' that could affect their performance. A doctor might diagnose a 'lesão' after examining a patient. Even in sports commentary, commentators will discuss player injuries as 'lesões'.
Nuances
While 'lesão' is common, the specific type of injury might have a more precise term. For instance, a cut is a 'corte', a bruise is a 'contusão', and a fracture is a 'fratura'. However, 'lesão' can often be used as a general umbrella term for any of these, especially when the exact nature of the damage is not yet specified or when referring to damage in a broader sense.
O atleta sofreu uma lesão grave no joelho durante o jogo.
A queda causou uma lesão na parede da casa.
Common Use Cases
Medical reports, sports news, accident descriptions, discussions about physical damage to objects.
Basic Sentence Structure
'Lesão' is a feminine noun, so it takes feminine articles and adjectives. It's often used with verbs like 'ter' (to have), 'sofrer' (to suffer), 'causar' (to cause), 'ter' (to have), 'apresentar' (to present/show), or 'diagnosticar' (to diagnose).
With 'Ter' (To Have)
This is one of the most common ways to use 'lesão'. It indicates that someone or something has an injury or damage.
Example:
Eu tenho uma lesão no tornozelo.
(I have an injury in my ankle.)
With 'Sofrer' (To Suffer)
This verb implies that the injury was received or experienced, often as a result of an event.
Example:
O jogador sofreu uma lesão muscular.
(The player suffered a muscular injury.)
With 'Causar' (To Cause)
This is used when an action or event leads to an injury or damage.
Example:
O acidente causou uma lesão permanente.
(The accident caused a permanent injury.)
Describing the Lesion
You can use adjectives to describe the nature of the 'lesão'.
Examples:
Ele tem uma lesão superficial.
(He has a superficial injury.)
A lesão é profunda.
(The injury is deep.)
In Medical Contexts
Doctors will use 'lesão' frequently when discussing diagnoses.
Example:
O exame revelou uma lesão no fígado.
(The exam revealed a lesion in the liver.)
Referring to Objects
When talking about damage to things, 'lesão' can also be used.
Example:
Há uma lesão na pintura do carro.
(There is damage/a blemish on the car's paintwork.)
Sports Arenas and Gyms
This is perhaps the most common place to hear 'lesão'. Athletes, coaches, trainers, and sports commentators frequently discuss injuries. You'll hear phrases like 'prevenção de lesões' (injury prevention), 'recuperação de uma lesão' (recovery from an injury), or 'o jogador está lidando com uma lesão' (the player is dealing with an injury). The media coverage of sports events is filled with discussions about players' physical conditions and any 'lesões' they might have.
Doctor's Offices and Hospitals
In any medical setting, 'lesão' is a fundamental term. Doctors use it to describe a wide array of physical damage, from minor cuts and bruises to more severe conditions. Patients might use it to describe what they are experiencing. Medical professionals will discuss 'lesões' in the chest, head, skin, or any other part of the body. It's a key term in diagnoses and treatment plans.
News Reports and Accident Scenes
When reporting on accidents, whether traffic accidents, industrial accidents, or natural disasters, news anchors and reporters will often mention injuries sustained. 'Várias pessoas sofreram lesões leves' (Several people suffered minor injuries) is a common phrase. The context here is direct reporting on the consequences of an event.
Discussions About Health and Well-being
In everyday conversations about health, people might talk about past injuries or concerns about developing them. For example, someone might say, 'Tenho medo de ter uma lesão ao levantar peso.' (I'm afraid of getting an injury while lifting weights.) This extends to discussions about rehabilitation and physical therapy.
In Technical or Repair Contexts
While less common than in medical or sports contexts, 'lesão' can be used metaphorically or literally to describe damage to objects. A mechanic might refer to a 'lesão' in a car's engine part, or a building inspector might mention a 'lesão' in a wall. This usage is more about a significant flaw or damage.
During Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Therapists and patients will use 'lesão' extensively when discussing the progress of recovery. Phrases like 'a lesão está a cicatrizar' (the injury is healing) or 'evitar agravar a lesão' (avoid worsening the injury) are common.
Confusing 'Lesão' with Other Injury Terms
While 'lesão' is a general term for injury, Portuguese has more specific words like 'corte' (cut), 'contusão' (bruise), 'fratura' (fracture), 'entorse' (sprain), and 'ferida' (wound). Beginners might overuse 'lesão' when a more precise term is appropriate, or conversely, use a specific term when 'lesão' would suffice as a general descriptor. For example, saying 'Tenho uma lesão no braço' is perfectly fine, but if it's clearly a cut, 'Tenho um corte no braço' is more specific.
Gender Agreement
'Lesão' is a feminine noun. A common mistake for learners is to use masculine articles or adjectives with it. For instance, saying 'um lesão' instead of 'uma lesão', or 'o lesão' instead of 'a lesão'. Similarly, adjectives modifying 'lesão' must be feminine, e.g., 'uma lesão grave' (a serious injury), not 'um lesão grave' or 'uma lesão grave' (incorrect gender agreement for the adjective).
Overuse in Non-Physical Contexts
While 'lesão' can sometimes be used metaphorically for damage to abstract things (like the economy), it's not as common as in English where 'lesion' might be used in more varied abstract contexts. In Portuguese, for abstract damage, words like 'prejuízo' (damage, loss), 'dano' (damage), or 'impacto negativo' (negative impact) are often more natural and frequently used. Overusing 'lesão' for non-physical damage can sound unnatural.
Pronunciation
The 's' sound in 'lesão' is typically pronounced like a 'zh' sound (similar to the 's' in 'measure' or the 'j' in French 'jour'), especially in European Portuguese and some Brazilian dialects. In other Brazilian dialects, it might sound closer to an 's'. Mispronouncing this sound, or the final 'ão' sound, can make the word difficult to understand. For example, pronouncing it like 'le-see-own' with a hard 's' sound is incorrect.
Using 'Lesão' for Minor Blemishes
While 'lesão' can describe damage to objects, it usually implies a more significant flaw or impairment. For very minor cosmetic issues, like a tiny scratch on a surface, other words might be more appropriate. For instance, 'arranhão' (scratch) or 'mancha' (stain) might be better than 'lesão' for a car's paintwork if it's just a light scratch.
Lesão vs. Ferida
Lesão: General term for injury or damage. Can be internal or external, severe or mild. Ferida: Specifically refers to an open wound, a break in the skin or flesh. Example: Uma lesão pode ser uma ferida, mas nem toda ferida é uma lesão grave. (An injury can be a wound, but not every wound is a serious injury.)
Lesão vs. Dano
Lesão: Primarily used for physical harm to living beings or significant damage to objects. Dano: A broader term for damage, harm, or loss. Can be physical, financial, or abstract. Example: A lesão no joelho afetou o desempenho do atleta, causando danos financeiros à equipa. (The knee injury affected the athlete's performance, causing financial damage to the team.)
Lesão vs. Contusão
Lesão: General term for injury. Contusão: Specifically a bruise, internal bleeding caused by a blunt impact, without breaking the skin. Example: Ele teve uma lesão na perna, que resultou numa grande contusão. (He had an injury in his leg, which resulted in a large bruise.)
Lesão vs. Fratura
Lesão: General term for injury. Fratura: Specifically a break in a bone. Example: O médico confirmou que a lesão era uma fratura exposta. (The doctor confirmed that the injury was an open fracture.)
Lesão vs. Prejuízo
Lesão: Physical injury or damage. Prejuízo: Loss, damage, or disadvantage, often financial or economic, but can also be abstract. Example: A lesão do jogador causou um grande prejuízo para o clube. (The player's injury caused a big loss/disadvantage to the club.)
Synonyms for Injury (General)
While 'lesão' is very common, depending on context, other words might be used for 'injury' or 'damage': - Machucado(a): (adjective) hurt, injured. - Trauma: (noun) trauma, injury. - Dano: (noun) damage, harm. - Mal: (noun) harm, illness (less common for direct injury). Example: Ele está machucado após o acidente. (He is hurt after the accident.) A queda causou um trauma na cabeça. (The fall caused a head trauma.)
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
The shared Latin root with the English word 'lesion' makes 'lesão' a cognate. This means it's a word that has a common origin with a word in another language and often has a similar meaning and spelling, which can be very helpful for language learners.
Guía de pronunciación
UK/liˈzɐ̃w/
US/leˈzɐ̃w/
The stress falls on the second syllable: le-ZÃO.
Rima con
mãopãocoraçãocançãolimãoverãoentãoirmão
Errores comunes
Pronouncing the 's' as a hard 's' like in 'see'.
Not nasalizing the 'ão' ending, making it sound like 'ow'.
Incorrectly stressing the first syllable.
Nivel de dificultad
Lectura3/5
The word 'lesão' is common in A2-B1 level texts, especially those related to health, sports, or everyday accidents. Its meaning is generally clear from context, and its cognate status with 'lesion' aids understanding.
— This is the process of restoring strength, flexibility, and function after an injury, often with the help of a therapist.
A reabilitação de lesão é uma fase crucial para o retorno às atividades normais.
Se confunde a menudo con
lesãovsFerida
'Ferida' specifically means an open wound. 'Lesão' is a broader term for any injury or damage, which may or may not be an open wound.
lesãovsDano
'Dano' is a more general term for damage, which can be physical, financial, or abstract. 'Lesão' is usually more specific to physical harm or impairment.
lesãovsMachucado
'Machucado' is an adjective meaning 'hurt' or 'injured'. 'Lesão' is the noun form representing the injury itself.
— An injury that affects deeper tissues or organs.
A queda causou uma lesão profunda que precisou de muitos pontos.
Neutral
Fácil de confundir
lesãovsFerida
Both refer to harm or damage to the body.
'Lesão' is a general term for injury or damage. 'Ferida' specifically refers to an open wound, a break in the skin or flesh. Therefore, a 'ferida' is a type of 'lesão', but not all 'lesões' are 'feridas'.
Ele teve uma lesão no braço, que se manifestou como uma ferida aberta. (He had an injury in his arm, which manifested as an open wound.)
lesãovsDano
Both can refer to harm or impairment.
'Lesão' primarily refers to physical harm to living beings or significant damage to objects. 'Dano' is a broader term for damage, harm, or loss, applicable to physical, financial, or even abstract contexts. For instance, 'dano' can refer to financial loss, whereas 'lesão' typically does not.
A tempestade causou danos materiais significativos e algumas lesões leves nas pessoas. (The storm caused significant material damage and some minor injuries to people.)
lesãovsContusão
Both are types of physical injuries.
'Lesão' is the general term for any injury or damage. 'Contusão' specifically refers to a bruise, which is a type of injury caused by blunt force that damages underlying tissues without breaking the skin. So, a 'contusão' is a specific kind of 'lesão'.
A queda resultou numa lesão que é uma contusão no quadril. (The fall resulted in an injury that is a bruise on the hip.)
lesãovsMachucado
They are closely related concepts of being injured.
'Lesão' is the noun representing the injury itself – the damaged part or condition. 'Machucado' is an adjective that describes someone or something as being hurt or injured. You have a 'lesão', and because of it, you are 'machucado'.
Tenho uma lesão no pé e por isso estou machucado. (I have an injury in my foot and because of that I am hurt.)
lesãovsTrauma
Both refer to physical harm.
'Lesão' is a general term for injury. 'Trauma' often refers to a more severe injury, especially one caused by a sudden physical force or shock, and can also encompass psychological trauma. While a severe physical injury is a 'lesão', it might be specifically called a 'trauma' if it's particularly severe or sudden.
O acidente causou uma lesão grave na coluna, um trauma que exigirá cuidados intensivos. (The accident caused a severe spinal injury, a trauma that will require intensive care.)
Patrones de oraciones
A1
Eu tenho uma lesão.
Eu tenho uma lesão no braço.
A2
O/A [noun] sofreu uma lesão.
O atleta sofreu uma lesão no tornozelo.
A2
A lesão é [adjective].
A lesão é leve.
B1
A prevenção de lesões é importante para...
A prevenção de lesões é importante para os desportistas.
Using masculine articles/adjectives with 'lesão'.→A lesão é grave.
'Lesão' is a feminine noun. Therefore, it requires feminine articles ('a', 'uma') and feminine adjectives ('grave', 'pequena', 'dolorosa'). Incorrect: 'O lesão é grave.' or 'Um lesão grave.'
Overusing 'lesão' for very minor blemishes on objects.→Há um arranhão na pintura do carro.
While 'lesão' can refer to damage to objects, it often implies a more significant impairment. For minor cosmetic issues like scratches or dents, words like 'arranhão' (scratch), 'amassado' (dent), or 'mancha' (stain) are often more appropriate and natural.
Pronouncing the 's' as a hard 's'.→Pronounce 'lesão' with the 's' sounding like 'zh' (as in 'measure').
In many Portuguese dialects, the 's' in 'lesão' (and at the end of words or before certain consonants) is pronounced as a 'zh' sound. A hard 's' sound makes the word sound unnatural or difficult to understand.
Confusing 'lesão' with 'ferida' when the wound is not open.→Ele tem uma lesão no joelho, mas não é uma ferida aberta.
'Ferida' specifically means an open wound. 'Lesão' is a general term for injury or damage. If someone has a bruise or internal damage without breaking the skin, it's a 'lesão', but not necessarily a 'ferida'.
Not nasalizing the 'ão' ending.→Pronounce 'lesão' with a nasal 'ão' sound.
The '-ão' ending is a distinctive nasal diphthong in Portuguese. Failing to nasalize it makes the word sound incorrect and can hinder comprehension. Practice the sound by saying 'ow' and then adding a nasal quality.
Consejos
Master the 'ão' sound
The ending '-ão' in 'lesão' is a nasal diphthong. Practice by saying 'ow' and then making it nasal, as if you were holding your nose slightly. Listen to native speakers to get it right. This sound is crucial for many common Portuguese words.
Remember Gender Agreement
'Lesão' is a feminine noun. Always use feminine articles ('a', 'uma') and ensure adjectives that describe it are also in the feminine form (e.g., 'uma lesão grave', not 'um lesão grave').
Cognate Connection
The English word 'lesion' is a direct cognate. Both words come from the Latin 'laesio'. This similarity in origin means they often have similar meanings and can help you remember 'lesão'.
Visual Association
Imagine a lion ('leão') getting a painful injury ('lesão') and roaring ('ão')! Associating the sound with a memorable image can aid recall.
Sentence Building
Try creating sentences using 'lesão' with different verbs ('ter', 'sofrer', 'causar') and adjectives ('grave', 'leve', 'muscular'). This active practice solidifies your understanding.
Common in Media
You'll hear 'lesão' frequently in sports news, medical shows, and accident reports. Familiarizing yourself with these contexts will expose you to the word naturally.
Distinguish from Specific Terms
While 'lesão' is general, know specific terms like 'ferida' (wound), 'contusão' (bruise), and 'fratura' (fracture) for more precise communication when needed.
Use in Everyday Scenarios
If you have a minor scrape, you can say 'Tenho uma lesão no dedo'. Practicing with everyday situations makes the word feel more natural in your speech.
Listen for Context Clues
When you hear 'lesão', listen to the surrounding words. Are they talking about sports? A doctor's visit? An accident? This will help you infer the exact meaning and severity.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Imagine a lion ('le-o') getting a bad injury ('lesão') trying to jump over a fence. The lion is roaring in pain because of the 'lesão'.
Asociación visual
Picture a person with a large, noticeable injury (like a cast on an arm or a bandage on a leg) and associate the sound 'lesão' with the visual of the injury.
Try to describe a recent minor injury you've had (or imagine one) using the word 'lesão' and at least two descriptive adjectives.
Origen de la palabra
The word 'lesão' comes from the Latin word 'laesio', which means 'injury' or 'harm'. This Latin root is also the origin of the English word 'lesion'.
Significado original: Injury, damage, hurt.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > Portuguese
Contexto cultural
When discussing injuries, especially severe ones, it's important to be sensitive. Avoid graphic descriptions unless appropriate for the context and audience. Be mindful that injuries can be a source of pain and distress.
The English word 'lesion' is a direct cognate, meaning a diseased or injured part of the body. This shared etymology can aid memorization.
Many famous athletes have had well-documented 'lesões' that impacted their careers, frequently discussed in sports media.Medical dramas and documentaries often feature discussions about diagnosing and treating various types of 'lesões'.News reports following accidents invariably mention any 'lesões' sustained by those involved.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Sports and physical activities
prevenção de lesões
lesão muscular
lesão no joelho
recuperação de lesão
lesão desportiva
Medical and healthcare settings
diagnóstico de lesão
tratamento de lesão
lesão grave
lesão interna
lesão na cabeça
Accidents and emergencies
sofrer uma lesão
causar uma lesão
lesão acidental
lesão por queda
lesão permanente
Everyday conversations about health
ter uma lesão
evitar lesões
lesão antiga
lesão leve
lesão súbita
Damage to objects or structures
lesão na pintura
lesão na estrutura
dano / lesão no carro
lesão na parede
Inicios de conversación
"Você já teve alguma lesão enquanto praticava desporto?"
"O que você acha mais importante na prevenção de lesões?"
"Como você lida com a dor de uma lesão?"
"Você conhece alguém que teve uma lesão grave e precisou de muita reabilitação?"
"O que fazer quando se suspeita de uma lesão?"
Temas para diario
Descreva uma lesão que você teve no passado e como ela afetou você.
Escreva sobre as medidas que você toma para evitar lesões no seu dia a dia.
Imagine que você é um médico. Descreva o diagnóstico e tratamento de uma lesão comum.
Reflita sobre a importância da saúde e como as lesões podem mudar a vida de uma pessoa.
Escreva uma pequena história onde uma lesão é um ponto central na trama.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntas
A 'ferida' is specifically an open wound, a break in the skin or flesh. 'Lesão' is a broader term that encompasses any injury or damage, which could include a 'ferida', but also bruises, sprains, fractures, or internal damage. So, a 'ferida' is a type of 'lesão', but not all 'lesões' are 'feridas'.
Yes, 'lesão' can be used for damage to inanimate objects or structures, though it's more common for physical harm to living beings. For example, you might hear about a 'lesão' in a car's paintwork or a building's structure, but 'dano' or 'prejuízo' might be more frequent in such contexts.
'Lesão grave' means a serious injury. This implies that the injury is significant, likely requires substantial medical attention, and may have a long recovery period or lasting consequences.
The phrase for 'injury prevention' is 'prevenção de lesões'. It's a very common and important phrase, especially in contexts related to sports and physical activity.
'Lesão' is a feminine noun. This means you should use feminine articles and adjectives with it, such as 'a lesão', 'uma lesão', and 'uma lesão grave'.
The plural of 'lesão' is 'lesões'. For example, 'Ele tem várias lesões.' (He has several injuries.)
Yes, 'lesão' can refer to internal injuries. For example, a doctor might diagnose a 'lesão interna' (internal injury) in the liver or lungs.
The pronunciation is approximately /leˈzɐ̃w/. The stress is on the second syllable ('ZÃO'), and the 's' sounds like the 's' in 'measure' or the 'j' in French 'jour'. The 'ão' is a nasal diphthong. It's important to practice this nasal sound.
Yes, common types of sports injuries referred to as 'lesões' include 'lesão muscular' (muscle injury), 'lesão articular' (joint injury), 'lesão ligamentar' (ligament injury), and 'lesão óssea' (bone injury, which could be a fracture).
While 'lesão' is very common, 'ferida' is a synonym when referring to an open wound. 'Dano' can be used for damage in a broader sense. For specific types of injuries, 'contusão' (bruise) or 'fratura' (fracture) are more precise.
The Portuguese word 'lesão' is a versatile term signifying injury or damage, applicable to both living organisms and inanimate objects. Its usage is prevalent in medical, sports, and general contexts, underscoring the importance of understanding its feminine noun gender for correct grammatical agreement. 'Lesão' can range from minor bruises to severe trauma, and also describes damage to things like cars or buildings. Example: 'Ele sofreu uma lesão no ombro.' (He suffered a shoulder injury.)
Lesão is a Portuguese word for injury or damage.
It's used for physical harm to people and damage to objects.
Common in sports, medicine, and accident reports.
Remember it's a feminine noun.
🗣️
Master the 'ão' sound
The ending '-ão' in 'lesão' is a nasal diphthong. Practice by saying 'ow' and then making it nasal, as if you were holding your nose slightly. Listen to native speakers to get it right. This sound is crucial for many common Portuguese words.
📚
Remember Gender Agreement
'Lesão' is a feminine noun. Always use feminine articles ('a', 'uma') and ensure adjectives that describe it are also in the feminine form (e.g., 'uma lesão grave', not 'um lesão grave').
💡
Cognate Connection
The English word 'lesion' is a direct cognate. Both words come from the Latin 'laesio'. This similarity in origin means they often have similar meanings and can help you remember 'lesão'.
🏃
Context is Key
While 'lesão' is general, pay attention to context. In sports, it's common. In medicine, it's precise. For objects, 'dano' might be more frequent. Understanding the context helps you use 'lesão' appropriately.
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