Signification
To have the courage or resilience to tolerate something unpleasant or difficult.
Contexte culturel
In Brazil, 'ter estômago' is frequently used in political discourse. Due to a history of complex political scandals, Brazilians often say they need a 'strong stomach' to read the news every morning. In Portugal, the phrase is often linked to the concept of 'resiliência' in the face of austerity or historical hardships. It's used with a sense of stoic endurance. Among medical students in Portuguese-speaking countries, 'ter estômago' is a rite of passage. If you can't handle the 'sala de anatomia' (anatomy room), you don't have the stomach for the career. Film critics in Brazil often use this phrase to warn audiences about 'gore' or 'body horror' movies, which are becoming more popular in the local indie scene.
Use 'Forte'
Adding 'forte' (strong) makes you sound much more like a native speaker: 'Tem que ter estômago forte.'
Not for Hunger
Never use this to say you are hungry. Use 'estou com fome' instead.
Signification
To have the courage or resilience to tolerate something unpleasant or difficult.
Use 'Forte'
Adding 'forte' (strong) makes you sound much more like a native speaker: 'Tem que ter estômago forte.'
Not for Hunger
Never use this to say you are hungry. Use 'estou com fome' instead.
Political Context
If you want to complain about corruption in Brazil, this is your go-to phrase. It shows you understand the 'visceral' nature of the problem.
Negation
It is much more common to use this phrase in the negative ('Não tenho estômago') to express that you can't handle something.
Teste-toi
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta do verbo 'ter' e a preposição necessária.
Eu não _______ estômago _______ aguentar esse cheiro de lixo.
The phrase uses 'ter' (tenho) and the preposition 'para' to connect to the infinitive.
Qual situação melhor descreve o uso de 'ter estômago'?
Escolha a opção correta:
The idiom refers to the resilience to witness something unpleasant (like surgery) without a negative physical reaction.
Complete o diálogo de forma natural.
A: 'Você viu as fotos do acidente no jornal?' B: 'Não, eu não __________________.'
This is the most natural and grammatically correct way to use the idiom in this context.
Combine a frase com o contexto correto.
Frase: 'Tem que ter estômago de avestruz para trabalhar aqui.'
'Estômago de avestruz' implies being able to handle very difficult or 'foul' social situations.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Estômago vs. Paciência
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEu não _______ estômago _______ aguentar esse cheiro de lixo.
The phrase uses 'ter' (tenho) and the preposition 'para' to connect to the infinitive.
Escolha a opção correta:
The idiom refers to the resilience to witness something unpleasant (like surgery) without a negative physical reaction.
A: 'Você viu as fotos do acidente no jornal?' B: 'Não, eu não __________________.'
This is the most natural and grammatically correct way to use the idiom in this context.
Frase: 'Tem que ter estômago de avestruz para trabalhar aqui.'
'Estômago de avestruz' implies being able to handle very difficult or 'foul' social situations.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it's literal. 'Meu estômago não aguenta pimenta' means your stomach physically hurts. The idiom is more for things that are 'gross' or 'morally wrong.'
Not necessarily rude, but it implies they are 'weak' or 'sensitive.' Use it carefully with friends.
They are interchangeable. 'Aguentar' is slightly more common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese, while 'suportar' sounds a bit more formal.
Yes, it's a common variation meaning 'iron stomach,' implying even greater resilience.
Not really. For boredom, use 'não tenho paciência.' Use 'estômago' if the meeting is full of lies or unethical decisions.
No. For heights, we say 'ter vertigem' or 'medo de altura.'
Yes, it is universally understood and used in all Lusophone countries.
Yes, if that person is very annoying or does 'gross' things, but it's quite an insult!
Yes, 'ter culhão' (vulgar) or 'ser casca grossa' (informal) are related slang terms for being tough.
Use 'tive' (Pretérito Perfeito) for a specific event: 'Não tive estômago para ver o filme ontem.'
Expressions liées
Engolir sapos
similarTo endure unpleasant things without complaining.
Fazer das tripas coração
builds onTo make a huge effort to overcome a difficult situation.
Ter sangue-frio
similarTo be cold-blooded or calm in danger.
Não me desce
contrastI can't accept/swallow this (metaphorically).
Casca grossa
similarThick-skinned; tough.
