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A2 noun #8,000 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

gengiva

Top 8,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces gengiva en 30 secondes

Explication gengiva in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'gengiva' means 'gum'. You should be able to identify it as a part of the mouth. You might use it in very simple sentences like 'Minha gengiva dói' (My gum hurts) or 'A gengiva é rosa' (The gum is pink). It is important to learn that it is a feminine noun ('a gengiva'). You won't need technical terms yet, just the basic ability to point to it or mention it to a doctor. Focus on the connection between 'dentes' (teeth) and 'gengiva'. At this stage, learners often confuse it with 'chiclete' (chewing gum), so make sure to keep those two separate in your mind. Practice saying the word slowly: gen-GI-va. The middle syllable is the strongest. If you can say 'I brush my teeth and gums', you are doing great at A1. 'Eu escovo os dentes e a gengiva'. This level is all about survival and basic identification of body parts.

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At the A2 level, you should be able to describe the 'gengiva' using basic adjectives. You can say 'gengiva inchada' (swollen gum) or 'gengiva sangrando' (bleeding gum). You will start to hear this word in commercials for toothpaste or at the dentist. You should understand simple instructions like 'Escove a gengiva com cuidado' (Brush the gum with care). You are also expected to know the plural form 'as gengivas'. At this level, you might start noticing that Portuguese speakers use the word 'gengiva' in the singular more often than English speakers use 'gum'. You should also be able to use the preposition 'na' correctly, as in 'Eu tenho uma dor na gengiva' (I have a pain in the gum). This is a good time to learn the verb 'sangrar' (to bleed) in the present tense: 'Minha gengiva sangra'. You are moving beyond just naming the part to describing its condition and basic health actions.

At the B1 level, you can participate in more detailed conversations about dental health. You might explain to a dentist when your 'gengiva' started hurting or describe a specific sensation like 'sensibilidade' (sensitivity). You should be comfortable using 'gengiva' in different tenses, such as 'Minha gengiva estava sangrando ontem' (My gum was bleeding yesterday). You will begin to encounter the word in more formal contexts, like reading a health blog or a product label. You should know related words like 'fio dental' (dental floss) and how it affects the 'gengiva'. You can discuss habits: 'Eu uso fio dental para manter a gengiva saudável' (I use dental floss to keep the gum healthy). At B1, you should also understand the concept of 'gengivite' (gingivitis) as an inflammation of the 'gengiva'. Your vocabulary is expanding to include the causes and consequences of gum health, allowing you to give advice or follow a dentist's recommendations more closely.

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At the B2 level, you can understand and discuss the 'gengiva' in a more technical or abstract way. You might read articles about the link between 'saúde gengival' (gum health) and heart disease. You can use terms like 'retração gengival' (gum recession) or 'enxerto de gengiva' (gum graft). You should be able to follow a complex explanation from a periodontist about why your 'gengiva' is reacting to a certain treatment. Your use of grammar with the word should be flawless, including complex structures like 'Se eu tivesse cuidado mais da minha gengiva, não teria esse problema' (If I had taken better care of my gum, I wouldn't have this problem). You are also expected to recognize the word in various accents and registers, from a scientific podcast to a casual conversation about 'sorriso gengival' (gummy smile). At this level, the word 'gengiva' is just one part of a much larger web of health and aesthetic vocabulary you have mastered.

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At the C1 level, your understanding of 'gengiva' is near-native. You can discuss the nuances of periodontology if necessary, using precise terms like 'sulco gengival' (gingival sulcus) or 'papila interdental'. You understand the stylistic use of the word in literature or high-level journalism. You can debate public health policies regarding dental care and the importance of 'prevenção gengival' in the population. You are aware of regional variations in how the word is pronounced or used in different Lusophone countries. You can use 'gengiva' in complex metaphors or idiomatic expressions if they exist, though the word remains primarily anatomical. Your ability to switch between a casual register ('minha gengiva tá meio estranha') and a highly formal medical register ('apresenta-se uma inflamação na mucosa gengival') is well-developed. You don't just know the word; you know its place in the entire biological and social system of the Portuguese language.

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At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over the word 'gengiva' and its entire lexical field. You can read professional dental journals in Portuguese and understand every detail about 'cirurgia plástica gengival' or 'histologia da gengiva'. You can express subtle differences in meaning and use the word with total academic precision. You might even know the etymology of the word from the Latin 'gingiva' and how it evolved in the Romance languages. You can speak about the 'gengiva' with the same ease as a native-speaking dentist or biologist. There are no surprises for you in terms of usage, grammar, or context. You can also identify and correct subtle errors made by others regarding the word. Whether you are writing a scientific paper or having a deep conversation about the aesthetics of a smile, 'gengiva' is a word you use with absolute confidence and accuracy, fully integrated into your extensive Portuguese vocabulary.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

gengiva en 30 secondes

Gengiva means 'gum' in Portuguese and is a feminine noun.
It refers to the pink tissue in the mouth surrounding the teeth.
Commonly used in dental and health contexts (brushing, bleeding, dentists).
Never confuse it with 'chiclete' (chewing gum) or other oral structures.

The Portuguese word gengiva refers to the anatomical structure known in English as the 'gum'. Specifically, it is the soft tissue that covers the alveolar bone of the jaw and surrounds the necks of the teeth. In a healthy state, the gengiva is typically pale pink, firm, and has a stippled appearance, often compared to the texture of an orange peel. Understanding this word is fundamental for anyone learning Portuguese because dental health is a significant cultural focus in many Lusophone countries, particularly Brazil, where oral hygiene is practiced with high frequency throughout the day. People use the word gengiva in various contexts, ranging from daily hygiene routines to medical consultations.

Anatomical Context: In a biological sense, the gengiva is part of the periodontium, the system of tissues that support the teeth. It acts as a protective seal around the teeth to prevent bacteria from reaching the underlying bone.

A minha gengiva está muito sensível hoje após a limpeza no dentista.

Clinical Context: Dentists often check for signs of 'gengivite' (gingivitis), which is the inflammation of the gengiva. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and bleeding during brushing.

É importante passar o fio dental para não machucar a gengiva.

Cosmetic Context: In aesthetic dentistry, people may discuss a 'sorriso gengival' (gummy smile), where a large portion of the gengiva is visible when smiling.

Ela fez uma pequena cirurgia para corrigir o sorriso e mostrar menos a gengiva.

O uso de escovas de cerdas macias protege a gengiva contra retrações.

A saúde da gengiva é um reflexo da saúde do corpo inteiro.

Beyond the literal dental meaning, the word does not have many slang or metaphorical uses, making it a very stable and specific term in the Portuguese lexicon. Whether you are at the pharmacy buying 'creme dental para gengiva sensível' or describing a symptom to a doctor, this word is your primary tool for discussing this part of the mouth. It is also worth noting that in certain technical contexts, you might hear 'mucosa gengival', but for 99% of daily interactions, gengiva is the standard term. To speak like a native, focus on the nasal 'en' sound and the soft 'gi' (like the 'j' in 'jeans' or the 's' in 'pleasure' depending on the regional accent, but generally a voiced postalveolar fricative /ʒ/). Practice saying it smoothly to avoid over-emphasizing the 'v' at the end.

Using the word gengiva correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a feminine noun and its typical collocations with adjectives and verbs. In Portuguese, adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. Therefore, if you are describing a swollen gum, you would say 'gengiva inchada' (feminine singular) or 'gengivas inchadas' (feminine plural). Common verbs associated with this word include 'sangrar' (to bleed), 'inflamar' (to become inflamed), 'proteger' (to protect), and 'massagear' (to massage).

Descriptive Usage: When describing the state of the gums, use adjectives like 'saudável' (healthy), 'vermelha' (red), or 'retraída' (receded).

Uma gengiva saudável deve ter uma cor rosa pálido e não deve sangrar.

Action-Oriented Usage: Verbs like 'escovar' (to brush) often take the gums as an object of care or caution.

Você deve escovar os dentes com cuidado para não ferir a gengiva.

Se a sua gengiva estiver sangrando, você deve procurar um dentista imediatamente.

Technical/Medical Instruction: Instructions for dental products often mention the 'sulco gengival' (the space between the tooth and the gum).

O acúmulo de placa na gengiva pode causar doenças periodontais graves.

Muitas crianças sentem dor na gengiva quando os primeiros dentes estão nascendo.

A aplicação de flúor ajuda a manter os dentes fortes e a gengiva protegida.

When constructing sentences, pay attention to the preposition 'na' (in the/on the) which is a contraction of 'em' + 'a'. You will often say something is 'na gengiva'. For example, 'uma afta na gengiva' (a canker sore on the gum). The plural form 'as gengivas' is used when referring to multiple areas or the entire set of gums in both the upper and lower jaws. However, even in the plural, the grammatical rules remain consistent. For instance, 'As minhas gengivas estão inflamadas' (My gums are inflamed). By mastering these patterns, you will be able to communicate effectively about oral health in any Portuguese-speaking environment.

The word gengiva is a staple in several specific environments. First and foremost is the dental office ('consultório odontológico'). Whether you are in Lisbon, Luanda, or São Paulo, your dentist will use this word constantly. You will hear it during routine cleanings, when getting braces ('aparelho'), or during more complex surgeries. Another place where gengiva is frequently heard is in television and internet advertisements for toothpaste ('creme dental') and mouthwash ('enxaguante bucal'). These commercials often focus on 'saúde da gengiva' (gum health) and preventing 'sangramento gengival' (gum bleeding).

At the Pharmacy: Pharmacists often recommend specific products for 'gengivas sensíveis' or gels to soothe a baby's gums during teething.

Este gel é excelente para aliviar a coceira na gengiva do bebê.

In Schools: Health education programs in schools teach children how to brush correctly, emphasizing that they shouldn't forget to brush the gengiva gently.

A propaganda diz que esta pasta de dente protege a gengiva por vinte e quatro horas.

Sports and Injuries: If someone gets hit in the face during a soccer match, they might check if they cut their gengiva.

Ele levou uma bolada no rosto e cortou a gengiva, mas o dente está firme.

O dentista recomendou um enxaguante especial para a minha gengiva.

A gengiva dele está inchada porque o dente siso está nascendo.

Finally, in literature or news reports regarding health statistics, you might find gengiva used in a more formal tone. For example, a report on the 'saúde bucal da população' (oral health of the population) will inevitably discuss the prevalence of gengiva diseases. In summary, whether in the clinical, commercial, or domestic sphere, the word is ubiquitous and essential for navigating health-related discussions in Portuguese.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using the word gengiva is related to its gender. In English, 'gum' has no gender, but in Portuguese, gengiva is strictly feminine. Learners often mistakenly use the masculine article 'o', saying 'o gengiva', which sounds very unnatural to native speakers. Always pair it with 'a' or 'as'. Another common error is the spelling and pronunciation of the 'gi' syllable. English speakers might try to pronounce it with a hard 'g' (like in 'game'), but in Portuguese, 'ge' and 'gi' always have a soft, 'sh' or 'zh' sound (/ʒ/).

Gender Agreement: Mistake: 'Meu gengiva está doendo.' Correct: 'Minha gengiva está doendo.' Adjectives and possessives must be feminine.

Não diga 'o gengiva vermelho', diga 'a gengiva vermelha'.

False Cognate Confusion: While 'gum' in English can mean 'chewing gum', gengiva NEVER means chewing gum in Portuguese. For that, you must use 'chiclete' or 'goma de mascar'.

Eu comprei um chiclete, não uma gengiva!

Pluralization Habits: English speakers often default to 'gengivas' (plural) because they think of 'gums'. While not wrong, Portuguese speakers often use the singular 'a gengiva' to refer to the whole area.

O tratamento é para a gengiva toda, não apenas para um dente.

A gengiva sangra quando você não usa fio dental regularmente.

A escrita correta é g-e-n-g-i-v-a, com 'e' na primeira sílaba.

Lastly, avoid using 'gengiva' when you mean 'jaw' (mandíbula or maxilar) or 'cheek' (bochecha). While they are nearby, Portuguese is very precise about anatomical terms. If you have a swelling on the outside of your face, it's 'na bochecha'; if it's on the tissue holding your teeth, it's 'na gengiva'. Being precise will help your dentist or doctor diagnose you much faster!

While gengiva is the most common word for the gums, there are other related terms and technical alternatives that you might encounter. Understanding these will enrich your vocabulary and help you distinguish between general and specialized language.

Mucosa Bucal: This is a more general term for the entire lining of the mouth. The gengiva is actually a specialized type of mucosa. Use this in a medical or biological context.

A gengiva é uma parte da mucosa bucal que está firmemente ligada ao osso.

Periodonto: This refers to the tissues that surround and support the teeth, including the gengiva, the periodontal ligament, and the alveolar bone.

Doenças do periodonto podem começar com uma simples inflamação na gengiva.

Diferente da bochecha, a gengiva é um tecido muito mais resistente.

Gengiva vs. Chiclete: As mentioned in the 'Common Mistakes' section, never confuse these. 'Chiclete' is for chewing; 'gengiva' is for the mouth anatomy.

O açúcar do chiclete pode causar cáries e prejudicar a gengiva.

A gengiva marginal é a parte que fica logo acima do dente.

A saúde das gengivas é fundamental para evitar a perda dos dentes.

By learning these distinctions, you can navigate both a casual conversation about a sore mouth and a professional dental appointment with confidence. Remember that while 'gengiva' is the star of the show, knowing its 'neighbors' like 'dente' (tooth), 'língua' (tongue), and 'céu da boca' (palate) will make your Portuguese much more fluent.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The Latin word 'gingīva' is the root for the English medical term 'gingivitis' and the Portuguese 'gengiva'. While the English common word 'gum' comes from a different root (Old English 'gōma'), the medical terminology remains shared.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ʒẽ.ˈʒi.vɐ/

US /ʒen.ˈʒi.və/

Second syllable (gen-GI-va).

Rime avec

ativa viva esportiva objetiva derivativa alternativa perspectiva saliva

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'g' like the 'g' in 'go'.
Forgetting the nasal sound in 'gen'.
Placing the stress on the first or last syllable.
Pronouncing the 'v' as a 'b' (common for Spanish speakers learning Portuguese).
Treating it as a masculine word.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, especially if you know the English medical terms.

Écriture 3/5

The spelling with 'e' and 'i' can be tricky for English speakers used to 'gingiva'.

Expression orale 4/5

The nasal 'en' and the soft 'gi' (/ʒ/) sounds require practice to sound native.

Écoute 2/5

Usually clearly pronounced in medical and commercial contexts.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

dente boca rosa limpar saúde

Apprends ensuite

gengivite periodontista fio dental enxaguante aparelho

Avancé

periodontia histologia mucosa epitélio alveolar

Grammaire à connaître

Gender Agreement

A gengiva (feminine) saudável (neutral).

Nasal Vowels

The 'en' in 'gengiva' is nasalized.

Soft 'G' before 'E' and 'I'

Gengiva is pronounced with /ʒ/.

Definite Article with Body Parts

A gengiva dói (instead of 'Minha gengiva dói').

Pluralization of Nouns ending in Vowels

Gengiva -> Gengivas.

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Exemples par niveau

A minha gengiva é rosa.

My gum is pink.

Feminine singular noun.

Eu escovo a gengiva.

I brush the gum.

Direct object with definite article.

Onde está a gengiva?

Where is the gum?

Interrogative sentence.

A gengiva dói.

The gum hurts.

Subject + verb 'doer'.

Dentes e gengiva.

Teeth and gum.

Simple noun phrase.

Água na gengiva.

Water on the gum.

Prepositional phrase 'na' (em + a).

A gengiva está limpa.

The gum is clean.

Noun + linking verb + adjective.

Minha gengiva.

My gum.

Possessive pronoun (feminine).

A gengiva dele está sangrando.

His gum is bleeding.

Present continuous tense.

Você tem a gengiva sensível?

Do you have sensitive gums?

Adjective agreement (feminine singular).

As gengivas estão inchadas.

The gums are swollen.

Plural agreement.

Use o fio dental na gengiva.

Use the dental floss on the gum.

Imperative mood.

A gengiva é importante para os dentes.

The gum is important for the teeth.

Complex sentence with 'para'.

Não machuque a sua gengiva.

Don't hurt your gum.

Negative imperative.

O bebê está com a gengiva vermelha.

The baby has red gums.

Descriptive phrase.

Escove os dentes e as gengivas.

Brush the teeth and the gums.

Compound direct object.

A gengivite é uma inflamação na gengiva.

Gingivitis is an inflammation in the gum.

Technical noun + explanation.

Sempre que como maçã, minha gengiva sangra.

Whenever I eat an apple, my gum bleeds.

Conditional/habitual present.

O dentista disse que minha gengiva está saudável.

The dentist said that my gum is healthy.

Reported speech.

Preciso de uma pasta para gengiva sensível.

I need a toothpaste for sensitive gums.

Noun + preposition + noun phrase.

A gengiva recuou um pouco neste dente.

The gum receded a bit on this tooth.

Past tense of 'recuar'.

Massagear a gengiva ajuda na circulação.

Massaging the gum helps with circulation.

Gerund/Infinitive subject.

Ela sente um incômodo constante na gengiva.

She feels a constant discomfort in the gum.

Noun + adjective.

O tratamento para a gengiva é simples.

The treatment for the gum is simple.

Subject + linking verb + adjective.

A retração na gengiva pode expor a raiz do dente.

Recession in the gum can expose the tooth root.

Modal verb 'pode' + infinitive.

O fumo é extremamente prejudicial à saúde da gengiva.

Smoking is extremely harmful to gum health.

Crase (à) = a + a.

O paciente apresenta um quadro de hiperplasia na gengiva.

The patient presents a case of hyperplasia in the gum.

Formal medical register.

É necessário fazer uma limpeza profunda sob a gengiva.

It is necessary to do a deep cleaning under the gum.

Impersonal expression 'é necessário'.

A gengiva serve como uma barreira contra bactérias.

The gum serves as a barrier against bacteria.

Functional description.

Se a gengiva não for tratada, o dente pode cair.

If the gum is not treated, the tooth may fall out.

Passive voice in the conditional.

O sorriso gengival pode ser corrigido com cirurgia.

The gummy smile can be corrected with surgery.

Compound noun phrase.

A cor da gengiva pode indicar problemas sistêmicos.

The color of the gum can indicate systemic problems.

Indicative mood with modal.

A integridade da gengiva é fundamental para a osseointegração.

The integrity of the gum is fundamental for osseointegration.

High-level medical terminology.

Houve uma melhora significativa na textura da gengiva.

There was a significant improvement in the texture of the gum.

Past perfect of 'haver'.

O excesso de tecido na gengiva compromete a estética facial.

Excess tissue in the gum compromises facial aesthetics.

Formal verb 'comprometer'.

A patologia manifestou-se inicialmente na margem da gengiva.

The pathology manifested itself initially at the gum margin.

Pronominal verb usage.

A análise histológica da gengiva revelou uma inflamação crônica.

The histological analysis of the gum revealed chronic inflammation.

Scientific reporting style.

O enxerto de gengiva é um procedimento comum na periodontia.

Gum grafting is a common procedure in periodontics.

Specialized field vocabulary.

A vascularização da gengiva permite uma cicatrização rápida.

The vascularization of the gum allows for rapid healing.

Biological process description.

Deve-se evitar traumas mecânicos na gengiva durante a escovação.

One should avoid mechanical trauma to the gum during brushing.

Passive 'se' construction.

A homeostase do sulco crevicular é vital para a saúde da gengiva.

The homeostasis of the crevicular sulcus is vital for gum health.

Academic/Scientific jargon.

A morfologia da gengiva varia consideravelmente entre os indivíduos.

The morphology of the gum varies considerably among individuals.

Precise adverbial usage.

A simetria do contorno da gengiva define a harmonia do sorriso.

The symmetry of the gum contour defines the harmony of the smile.

Aesthetic theory terminology.

A resposta imunitária na gengiva é a primeira linha de defesa.

The immune response in the gum is the first line of defense.

Complex subject phrase.

A descamação da gengiva pode ser um sintoma de doenças autoimunes.

Desquamation of the gum can be a symptom of autoimmune diseases.

Diagnostic language.

O avanço da retração da gengiva é frequentemente assintomático.

The progression of gum recession is often asymptomatic.

Clinical observation style.

A queratinização da gengiva confere-lhe resistência ao atrito.

The keratinization of the gum gives it resistance to friction.

Enclitic pronoun usage (confere-lhe).

A gengiva inserida desempenha um papel crucial na estabilidade dental.

The attached gum plays a crucial role in dental stability.

Technical anatomical classification.

Collocations courantes

Gengiva sangrando

Gengiva inchada

Retração na gengiva

Gengiva sensível

Saúde da gengiva

Inflamação na gengiva

Escovar a gengiva

Gengiva saudável

Sorriso gengival

Corte na gengiva

Phrases Courantes

Passar o fio dental na gengiva

— The act of flossing to clean the gum area.

É chato, mas tem que passar o fio dental na gengiva todos os dias.

Dor na gengiva

— A general term for gum pain.

Essa dor na gengiva não me deixa dormir.

Limpeza de gengiva

— A professional dental cleaning focused on the gums.

Vou ao dentista fazer uma limpeza de gengiva.

Gengiva vermelha

— A sign of irritation or infection.

Sua gengiva está muito vermelha, tome cuidado.

Proteger a gengiva

— Taking actions to ensure gum health.

Cerdas macias ajudam a proteger a gengiva.

Cirurgia de gengiva

— Any surgical procedure involving the gums.

O pós-operatório da cirurgia de gengiva é delicado.

Massagem na gengiva

— A technique to stimulate blood flow in the gums.

O dentista recomendou uma massagem na gengiva.

Gengiva retraída

— When the gum tissue pulls back from the teeth.

Dentes sensíveis podem ser sinal de gengiva retraída.

Cor da gengiva

— The visual appearance of the gums.

A cor da gengiva mudou depois do tratamento.

Gengiva do bebê

— Refers to infant teething issues.

A gengiva do bebê está coçando porque os dentes estão nascendo.

Souvent confondu avec

gengiva vs Chiclete

Learners often think 'gum' (chewing) is 'gengiva'. It is not.

gengiva vs Gingiva

The English medical term/Latin root is spelled with an 'i' in the first syllable, Portuguese uses 'e'.

gengiva vs Bochecha

The cheek is the outer part; the gum is the tissue around the teeth.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Mostrar a gengiva"

— Literally to show the gums, often used in dental aesthetics to describe a smile.

Ele evita rir muito para não mostrar a gengiva.

Neutral

"Gengiva de ferro"

— A non-standard, humorous way to say someone can eat hard things without pain (rare).

Ele tem gengiva de ferro, come até pedra!

Informal

"Sorriso de gengiva"

— Another way to say 'sorriso gengival'.

Ela sempre teve um sorriso de gengiva charmoso.

Neutral

"Colar na gengiva"

— Sometimes used to describe food that gets stuck (not a true idiom, but common).

Esse doce de leite cola na gengiva!

Informal

"Até a gengiva"

— Used to describe something deep or thorough in the mouth area.

A inflamação foi até a gengiva profunda.

Neutral

"Gengiva inchada de tanto falar"

— A humorous exaggeration for someone who talks too much (rare).

Minha gengiva está inchada de tanto falar com você!

Slang/Humor

"Limpar a gengiva"

— Can be a euphemism for eating everything on the plate in some regions.

Ele limpou a gengiva, não sobrou nada no prato.

Informal

"Dar na gengiva"

— Regional slang for getting hit in the mouth.

Levou um soco que deu bem na gengiva.

Slang

"Gengiva exposta"

— A descriptive state, often used to warn about health risks.

Cuidado com a gengiva exposta ao frio.

Neutral

"Lamber a gengiva"

— Occasionally used to mean savoring something very tasty.

O bolo estava tão bom que lamberam até a gengiva.

Informal

Facile à confondre

gengiva vs Goma

Sounds like 'gum'.

Goma can mean 'glue', 'starch', or 'chewing gum' (goma de mascar), but never the anatomical gum.

Eu masquei uma goma, mas minha gengiva doeu.

gengiva vs Gingiva

Spelling.

Gingiva is Latin/English Medical; Gengiva is Portuguese.

O termo médico é gingiva, mas em português dizemos gengiva.

gengiva vs Mandíbula

Location.

Mandíbula is the bone (jaw); gengiva is the flesh covering it.

A gengiva recobre a mandíbula.

gengiva vs Língua

Location.

Língua is the tongue; gengiva is the gum.

A língua tocou na gengiva ferida.

gengiva vs Afta

Common occurrence.

Afta is a canker sore; it often appears ON the gengiva.

Tenho uma afta na gengiva.

Structures de phrases

A gengiva é + [cor].

A gengiva é rosa.

Minha gengiva está + [adjetivo].

Minha gengiva está inchada.

Eu uso [objeto] na gengiva.

Eu uso fio dental na gengiva.

A gengiva sangra quando + [ação].

A gengiva sangra quando eu escovo.

É importante [verbo] a gengiva.

É importante proteger a gengiva.

A [substantivo] da gengiva é + [adjetivo].

A saúde da gengiva é fundamental.

Devido à [condição] da gengiva, + [consequência].

Devido à retração da gengiva, o dente ficou sensível.

A gengiva apresenta sinais de + [doença].

A gengiva apresenta sinais de inflamação crônica.

Famille de mots

Noms

gengivite

gengivoplastia

gengivectomia

Verbes

gengivar (rare technical term)

Adjectifs

gengival

subgengival

supragengival

Apparenté

dente

boca

periodonto

estomatologia

odontologia

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High (especially in health and personal care domains).

Erreurs courantes

O gengiva → A gengiva
Gengiva is a feminine noun, so it requires the feminine article 'a'.
Minha gengiva sangra quando eu masco gengiva. → Minha gengiva sangra quando eu masco chiclete.
You don't chew 'gengiva' (anatomical); you chew 'chiclete'.
Gingiva → Gengiva
The first vowel is an 'e', not an 'i' like in the English medical root.
Gengiva inchado → Gengiva inchada
The adjective must agree with the feminine gender of the noun.
Os gengivas → As gengivas
Even in plural, the gender remains feminine.

Astuces

Gender Check

Always pair 'gengiva' with feminine articles (a/uma) and adjectives (saudável/inchada).

Nasal Sound

The first syllable 'gen' is nasal. Practice by saying 'ten' but through your nose.

Not Chewing Gum

Never use 'gengiva' at a candy store. Use 'chiclete' instead.

Fio Dental

In Portuguese, 'fio dental' and 'gengiva' are best friends in conversation.

Dentista

If your 'gengiva' hurts, you go to the 'dentista', not the 'médico' (general doctor).

The 'E' Factor

Remember it starts with 'GE', not 'GI'. Think of 'General' health.

Sorriso Gengival

This is a common term in beauty and dental circles in Brazil.

Teething

Use 'gengiva' when talking about a baby's new teeth coming in.

Formal vs Informal

Even in formal settings, 'gengiva' is perfectly acceptable and professional.

Cultural Habit

Be prepared to talk about 'gengiva' more often in Brazil than in other countries.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Genie' (from Aladdin) showing his 'Gums' to 'Viva' (live). Gen-gi-viva -> Gengiva.

Association visuelle

Imagine a pink 'G' (for Gengiva) hugging a white tooth.

Word Web

dente boca rosa sangue dentista fio dental escova saúde

Défi

Try to say 'A gengiva do Geraldo está saudável' five times fast without tripping over the 'g' sounds.

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'gingīva', which also means 'gum'.

Sens originel : The tissue surrounding the teeth.

Romance (Italic).

Contexte culturel

Be careful when commenting on someone's 'sorriso gengival' as it can be a point of insecurity for some people.

English speakers often use 'gums' in the plural, while Portuguese speakers frequently use 'gengiva' in the singular.

Ronaldinho Gaúcho (famous for his gummy smile) Commercials for 'Colgate' and 'Oral-B' in Brazil Dental health campaigns by the Ministry of Health

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At the Dentist

Minha gengiva sangra.
Dói quando eu escovo.
A gengiva está retraída.
Preciso de uma limpeza.

Daily Hygiene

Não esqueça da gengiva.
Use fio dental.
Escova macia é melhor.
Massageie a gengiva.

Pharmacy

Pasta para gengiva sensível.
Gel para gengiva de bebê.
Enxaguante bucal.
Creme dental medicinal.

Baby Care

Dente nascendo.
Gengiva inchada.
Mordedor para gengiva.
Alívio da dor.

Injury

Cortei a gengiva.
Está saindo sangue.
Bati a boca.
Ferida na gengiva.

Amorces de conversation

"Você já teve problemas com a sua gengiva?"

"Qual pasta de dente você recomenda para gengiva sensível?"

"Você acha que o seu dentista cuida bem da sua gengiva?"

"O que você faz quando a sua gengiva começa a sangrar?"

"Você sabia que a saúde da gengiva afeta o coração?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descreva a última vez que você foi ao dentista e o que ele disse sobre a sua gengiva.

Escreva sobre a importância da higiene bucal e como você cuida da sua gengiva diariamente.

Imagine que você é um dentista. Dê conselhos aos seus pacientes sobre como manter a gengiva saudável.

Como você se sente em relação ao seu sorriso? A sua gengiva aparece muito quando você ri?

Pesquise e escreva sobre a relação entre a alimentação e a saúde da gengiva.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

You say 'gengivas' (plural) or 'gengiva' (singular). Both are common, but singular is often used collectively.

It is feminine. You should always say 'a gengiva'.

No. Chewing gum is called 'chiclete' or 'goma de mascar'.

It's pronounced zhen-ZHEE-vah. The 'g's are soft like the 's' in 'measure'.

It is called 'sorriso gengival'.

You say 'gengivas sangrando' or 'sangramento na gengiva'.

It is 'gengivite' for mild inflammation and 'periodontite' for more severe disease.

Yes, the word is the same in all Portuguese-speaking countries.

Yes, it is the correct word. You can say 'a gengiva do bebê'.

It is 'fio dental', which is used to clean the 'gengiva'.

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