For A1 learners, the concept of feeling unwell is basic. They might learn simple phrases like 'Estou doente' (I am sick) or 'Não estou bem' (I am not well). The focus is on very direct and immediate expressions of sickness, often related to common ailments like a cold or fever. The vocabulary would be limited to words like 'dor' (pain), 'febre' (fever), and 'tosse' (cough). The idea of a general state of indisposition rather than a specific illness might be too nuanced for this level. Sentences would be short and simple, focusing on identifying the problem. For example, 'Tenho dor de cabeça' (I have a headache) or 'Tenho febre' (I have a fever). The word 'maldisposto' itself might be introduced later, as it requires understanding the subtle difference between feeling generally unwell and being definitively sick.
At the A2 level, learners can start to grasp more nuanced expressions of feeling unwell. 'Maldisposto' fits perfectly here as it describes a general feeling of being unwell without necessarily having a specific, diagnosed illness. Learners can use it to express that they are 'under the weather' or feeling 'a bit off'. They can form simple sentences like 'Estou maldisposto hoje' (I am feeling unwell today) or 'Ele parece maldisposto' (He seems unwell). They begin to differentiate between 'maldisposto' (generally unwell) and 'doente' (sick). They can also start to understand agreement in gender and number, though 'maldisposto' (masculine singular) will be the most common form encountered. This level allows for more descriptive language about personal states, including mild physical discomfort.
B1 learners can confidently use 'maldisposto' in a wider range of contexts. They understand its nuance compared to 'doente' and can use it to politely excuse themselves from activities or explain a lack of energy. They are comfortable with gender and number agreement ('maldisposto', 'maldisposta', 'maldispostos', 'maldispostas') and can use it with verbs like 'estar' and 'sentir-se'. They can also start to discuss the causes or implications of feeling maldisposto, such as needing rest or avoiding certain activities. For example, 'Não vou sair porque me sinto maldisposto e preciso descansar' (I'm not going out because I feel unwell and need to rest). They can also use it in more complex sentences and understand its use in narrative contexts.
B2 learners will use 'maldisposto' with fluency and precision. They can differentiate its subtle shades of meaning from similar words like 'indisposto', 'enfermo', and 'adoentado'. They can employ it in formal and informal registers, perhaps using it ironically or to express mild dissatisfaction with their physical state. They can also analyze its etymology and understand its idiomatic usage. For instance, they might discuss how feeling 'maldisposto' can affect one's mood or productivity. They can also use it in more abstract discussions about health and well-being, perhaps comparing cultural attitudes towards minor ailments. Example: 'Apesar de me sentir maldisposto, insisti em comparecer à reunião.' (Despite feeling unwell, I insisted on attending the meeting.)
C1 speakers use 'maldisposto' with a high degree of sophistication. They can employ it in nuanced arguments, persuasive writing, or literary contexts. They understand its potential for understatement or irony. For example, they might use it to describe a political situation that is 'unwell' or not functioning correctly, extending the meaning metaphorically. They can also discuss its historical usage or compare its frequency across different Portuguese-speaking regions. They might analyze its role in expressing cultural attitudes towards illness and self-care. Example: 'O clima político na nação estava visivelmente maldisposto, prenunciando conflitos.' (The political climate in the nation was visibly unwell, foreshadowing conflicts.)
C2 users command 'maldisposto' with mastery. They can use it in highly specialized or creative contexts, perhaps in poetry, sophisticated prose, or academic discourse. They understand its full semantic range, including potential metaphorical applications. They can deconstruct its usage in complex sentences and predict its impact on the reader or listener. They can also offer expert commentary on its linguistic features, such as its prosody or its interaction with other grammatical structures. Example: 'A melancolia que pairava sobre a cidade parecia uma enfermidade coletiva, um estado de espírito maldisposto que afetava a todos.' (The melancholy that hung over the city seemed like a collective ailment, an unwell state of mind that affected everyone.)

maldisposto en 30 secondes

  • Maldisposto means feeling unwell or sick.
  • It's a general term for not feeling your best.
  • Use it for mild, temporary indispositions.
  • Agree it in gender and number with the subject.

The Portuguese word maldisposto is an adjective that describes a state of feeling unwell, sick, or indisposed. It's a common and versatile term used to express a general feeling of not being in good health, often without a specific diagnosed illness. You might use it when you feel a bit off, under the weather, or simply not your usual self. It can range from mild discomfort to a more pronounced feeling of illness.

People often use maldisposto when they wake up in the morning and don't feel energetic or well enough to start their day normally. It can also be used to explain why someone might be less cheerful or more irritable than usual, as physical discomfort can affect one's mood. For instance, if someone is usually very active but is now sitting quietly and looking pale, you might ask if they are feeling maldisposto.

It's important to note that maldisposto doesn't necessarily imply a severe illness. It's more about a temporary state of physical discomfort or a general feeling of being unwell. You could feel maldisposto due to a slight cold, indigestion, fatigue, or even just a bad night's sleep. It's a softer way of saying 'I'm sick' without being overly dramatic. In social situations, if you're unable to attend an event or participate in an activity, you might say you are maldisposto as a polite way to excuse yourself.

The word is derived from 'mal' (badly/ill) and 'disposto' (disposed/arranged/inclined), literally meaning 'badly disposed' or 'ill-inclined' in terms of one's health. This etymology helps understand its core meaning of not being in a good or healthy state. It's a widely understood term across Portuguese-speaking countries and is a useful addition to any learner's vocabulary for expressing common ailments.

Consider the subtle nuances: while someone who is 'doente' (sick) might need to see a doctor, someone who is 'maldisposto' might just need rest or a simple remedy. It's a term that allows for a spectrum of unwellness. The flexibility of maldisposto makes it a practical word for everyday conversations about health. You can use it to describe yourself, someone else, or even a pet feeling under the weather.

Origin
The word 'maldisposto' comes from the Latin 'male dispositus', meaning 'badly arranged' or 'in a bad state'. In Portuguese, 'mal' means 'bad' or 'ill', and 'disposto' relates to being arranged, inclined, or in a certain state.
Usage Context
It is used to describe a general feeling of being unwell, slightly ill, or indisposed, often without a severe or specific illness. It implies a temporary state of discomfort.
Common Scenarios
Waking up feeling unwell, needing to cancel plans due to feeling sick, or describing a general lack of energy and well-being.

Acordei um pouco maldisposto hoje.

Ele não veio trabalhar porque estava maldisposto.

Using maldisposto in sentences is straightforward. As an adjective, it needs to agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For masculine singular, it's maldisposto. For feminine singular, it's maldisposta. For masculine plural, it's maldispostos, and for feminine plural, it's maldispostas. However, in everyday conversation, the singular masculine form is most commonly used, especially when referring to oneself or a general state.

You'll often find maldisposto used with the verb 'estar' (to be, for temporary states). For example, 'Eu estou maldisposto' means 'I am feeling unwell'. If you want to specify that someone else is feeling this way, you would say 'Ele está maldisposto' (He is feeling unwell) or 'Ela está maldisposta' (She is feeling unwell).

It can also be used to describe a group of people. If a group of friends were feeling unwell and couldn't go out, you could say 'Eles estão maldispostos'. If it were a group of female friends, it would be 'Elas estão maldispostas'.

Beyond 'estar', maldisposto can sometimes be used with 'sentir-se' (to feel). 'Sinto-me maldisposto' is another way to say 'I feel unwell'. This construction is also very common.

Consider these sentence structures:

Subject + estar/sentir-se + maldisposto(a/os/as)
Eu estou maldisposto. (I am feeling unwell.)
Ela sente-se maldisposta. (She feels unwell.)
Nós estamos maldispostos. (We are feeling unwell.)
Describing someone else's state
O João parece maldisposto hoje. (João seems unwell today.)
A Maria está maldisposta e vai ficar em casa. (Maria is unwell and will stay home.)
Explaining absence or inability
Não posso ir à festa porque estou maldisposto. (I can't go to the party because I am feeling unwell.)
Ele não saiu da cama por estar maldisposto. (He didn't get out of bed because he was feeling unwell.)

Remember to adjust the ending of maldisposto based on the gender and number of the person or people you are describing. For A2 learners, focusing on the singular masculine form ('maldisposto') is a good starting point, as it's very frequently used.

You will hear the word maldisposto in a variety of everyday situations in Portuguese-speaking countries. It's a very common term used in casual conversations, especially when people are talking about their health or the health of others.

Imagine a morning conversation: someone might say, 'Bom dia! Como você está?' (Good morning! How are you?) and the response could be, 'Bom dia. Mais ou menos, estou um pouco maldisposto.' (Good morning. So-so, I'm feeling a bit unwell.) This is a very typical exchange.

In a family setting, a parent might ask their child, 'Você parece cansado. Está maldisposto?' (You look tired. Are you feeling unwell?) Or a child might tell a parent, 'Mãe, não quero ir à escola hoje, sinto-me maldisposto.' (Mom, I don't want to go to school today, I feel unwell.)

You'll also hear it in workplaces or among colleagues. If someone calls in sick, they might say, 'Não poderei ir trabalhar hoje, estou maldisposto.' (I won't be able to come to work today, I'm feeling unwell.) This is a polite and common way to inform others.

Even in social gatherings, if someone isn't feeling up to participating fully, they might mention it. For example, at a party, someone might say to a friend, 'Não estou muito animado hoje, estou um pouco maldisposto.' (I'm not very enthusiastic today, I'm feeling a bit unwell.)

In informal settings, friends might discuss plans: 'Vamos ao cinema?' (Shall we go to the cinema?) 'Hoje não, estou maldisposto.' (Not today, I'm feeling unwell.)

It's also common in media, such as when characters in a soap opera or movie express feeling unwell. A doctor might ask a patient, 'Como se sente?' (How do you feel?) and the patient might reply, 'Estou maldisposto, doutor.' (I'm feeling unwell, doctor.)

The term is widely used by people of all ages and in various regions where Portuguese is spoken, making it a fundamental word for understanding daily conversations about well-being.

One common mistake for learners is not correctly adjusting the adjective's gender and number. While the masculine singular 'maldisposto' is most frequent, forgetting to use 'maldisposta' for a female or 'maldispostos/maldispostas' for plurals can lead to grammatical errors. For example, saying 'A Maria está maldisposto' instead of 'A Maria está maldisposta' is incorrect.

Another potential pitfall is overusing maldisposto when a more specific word for illness is appropriate. If someone has a clearly defined condition like 'gripe' (flu) or 'dor de cabeça' (headache), using 'maldisposto' might sound like an understatement or a vague way of describing the symptom. While it can be used generally, it's best reserved for when the illness is not specific or is mild.

Learners might also confuse maldisposto with words that imply a bad mood or being annoyed, like 'mal-humorado' (bad-tempered). While feeling unwell can certainly lead to a bad mood, maldisposto specifically refers to physical discomfort, not just an emotional state. So, saying 'Estou maldisposto' when you are simply angry would be incorrect.

Pronunciation can also be a challenge. The 's' sound in 'disposto' can sometimes be mispronounced, or the stress might be placed incorrectly. It's important to practice the pronunciation to ensure clarity.

Finally, learners might incorrectly use the verb 'ser' instead of 'estar' or 'sentir-se' when describing this temporary state. 'Eu sou maldisposto' would imply that being unwell is a permanent characteristic, which is not the intended meaning. The correct construction is 'Eu estou maldisposto' or 'Eu sinto-me maldisposto'.

When you want to express feeling unwell in Portuguese, there are several words and phrases you can use, each with slightly different connotations. Maldisposto is a great general term, but understanding its alternatives can enrich your vocabulary.

Doente
This is the most direct translation of 'sick' or 'ill'. 'Doente' implies a more definite illness, perhaps one that requires medical attention. While maldisposto is for feeling generally unwell, 'doente' is for being actually sick. Example: 'Ele está doente com gripe.' (He is sick with the flu.)
Enfermo/Enferma
Similar to 'doente', 'enfermo' also means sick or ill. It can sometimes carry a slightly more formal tone or imply a more severe condition than 'maldisposto'. Example: 'A criança está enferma e precisa de repouso.' (The child is ill and needs rest.)
Indisposto/Indisposta
This is a very close synonym to maldisposto and is often interchangeable. 'Indisposto' also means feeling unwell or not in good health, usually temporarily. Example: 'Sinto-me um pouco indisposto hoje.' (I feel a bit unwell today.)
Adoentado/Adoentada
This term suggests being slightly ill or sickly, often implying a weaker state of health or a mild ailment. It's less strong than 'doente' and can be used for children who are not feeling well. Example: 'O bebé parece um pouco adoentado.' (The baby seems a bit sickly.)
Sentir-se mal
This is a common phrase meaning 'to feel bad' or 'to feel unwell'. It's a very versatile expression and can be used in many situations where maldisposto would fit. Example: 'Ele está a sentir-se mal.' (He is feeling unwell.)
Não estar bem
Literally 'not to be well', this is another general phrase used to indicate that someone is not feeling their best. It's a softer way of saying they are unwell. Example: 'Pareces pálido, não estás bem?' (You look pale, are you not well?)

While all these terms relate to not feeling well, maldisposto is excellent for expressing a general, often temporary, state of feeling under the weather without specifying a serious illness. 'Indisposto' is its closest synonym. 'Doente' and 'enfermo' are stronger and imply a more definite sickness.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The contrast between 'maldisposto' (unwell) and 'bem disposto' (well, cheerful) highlights how a simple prefix change ('mal-' to 'bem-') can completely invert the meaning, a common feature in Portuguese word formation.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˌmæl.dɪsˈpɔːs.tʊ/
US /ˌmæl.dɪsˈpoʊs.tu/
The primary stress is on the third syllable: mal-dis-POS-to.
Rime avec
imposto composto disposto reposto deposto superposto contraposto anteposto
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Misplacing stress, for example, stressing the first syllable 'MAL-disposto'.
  • Pronouncing the 's' in 'dis' as a 'z' sound.
  • Not clearly articulating the final 'o' sound.
  • Confusing the vowel sounds, especially the 'o' in 'disposto'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

At the A2 level, learners will encounter 'maldisposto' in simple texts and dialogues. Understanding its core meaning of 'unwell' is achievable. The context usually makes its meaning clear, especially when paired with verbs like 'estar' or 'sentir-se'.

Écriture 2/5
Expression orale 2/5
Écoute 2/5

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

estar sentir-se bem mal cansado doente

Apprends ensuite

indisposto mal-estar adoentado saudável bem disposto

Avancé

malaise debilitado prostrado enfermo

Grammaire à connaître

Agreement of Adjectives: Adjectives in Portuguese must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. For 'maldisposto', this means changing the ending.

O homem está maldisposto. A mulher está maldisposta. Os homens estão maldispostos. As mulheres estão maldispostas.

Use of 'Estar' for Temporary States: The verb 'estar' is used to describe temporary conditions, including health states like feeling unwell.

Eu estou maldisposto hoje. Ele está maldisposto.

Use of 'Sentir-se' for Feelings: The reflexive verb 'sentir-se' is used to describe how one feels, both emotionally and physically.

Eu sinto-me maldisposto. Ela sente-se maldisposta.

Difference between 'Ser' and 'Estar': 'Ser' describes permanent characteristics, while 'estar' describes temporary states. Feeling unwell is a temporary state.

Incorrect: Eu sou maldisposto. (Implies you are always unwell). Correct: Eu estou maldisposto. (You are unwell today).

Adverbs Modifying Adjectives: Adverbs can modify adjectives to add nuance, like degree.

Estou um pouco maldisposto. Ele está muito maldisposto.

Exemples par niveau

1

Eu não estou bem.

I am not well.

Simple statement of not feeling well.

2

Tenho dor de cabeça.

I have a headache.

Expressing a specific physical discomfort.

3

Estou com febre.

I have a fever.

Indicating a symptom of illness.

4

Não quero comer.

I don't want to eat.

Expressing a lack of appetite due to feeling unwell.

5

Preciso descansar.

I need to rest.

Requesting rest due to not feeling well.

6

Estou cansado.

I am tired.

Expressing fatigue, which can be a symptom of feeling unwell.

7

Tenho tosse.

I have a cough.

Indicating a common symptom of a cold.

8

Não gosto de estar doente.

I don't like being sick.

Expressing a negative feeling about being sick.

1

Hoje acordei um pouco maldisposto.

Today I woke up a bit unwell.

Using 'maldisposto' to describe a general feeling of unwellness upon waking.

2

Ele não foi à escola porque estava maldisposto.

He didn't go to school because he was feeling unwell.

'Maldisposto' used to explain an absence due to feeling unwell.

3

A Maria sente-se maldisposta e vai ficar em casa.

Maria feels unwell and will stay home.

Using 'sentir-se maldisposto' and explaining a consequence (staying home).

4

Não estou maldisposto, só estou cansado.

I am not unwell, I am just tired.

Differentiating between feeling unwell and simply being tired.

5

Pareces maldisposto. Precisas de um médico?

You seem unwell. Do you need a doctor?

Asking someone if they seem unwell and if they need medical help.

6

O que tens? Estás maldisposto?

What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?

A direct question to inquire about someone's well-being.

7

Ela não quer comer porque está maldisposta.

She doesn't want to eat because she is feeling unwell.

Connecting lack of appetite to feeling unwell.

8

Sinto-me maldisposto, acho que vou dormir cedo.

I feel unwell, I think I will go to sleep early.

Expressing a decision based on feeling unwell.

1

Não poderei comparecer à reunião pois estou um pouco maldisposto.

I will not be able to attend the meeting as I am a bit unwell.

Using 'maldisposto' in a more formal context to explain absence.

2

Ela disse que se sentia maldisposta e preferia ficar em casa a ir à festa.

She said she felt unwell and preferred to stay home rather than go to the party.

Reporting someone else's reason for not attending an event.

3

Apesar de me sentir maldisposto, decidi ir trabalhar.

Despite feeling unwell, I decided to go to work.

Expressing a decision made despite feeling unwell.

4

O tempo está mau e sinto-me maldisposto, acho que é uma constipação.

The weather is bad and I feel unwell, I think it's a cold.

Linking feeling unwell to weather and a possible common cold.

5

O João parecia maldisposto durante o jantar, mal tocou na comida.

João seemed unwell during dinner, he barely touched his food.

Observing someone's state of unwellness through their behavior.

6

Se te sentires maldisposto amanhã, fica em casa e descansa.

If you feel unwell tomorrow, stay home and rest.

Giving advice based on the possibility of feeling unwell.

7

Toda a gente na família esteve maldisposta na semana passada.

Everyone in the family was unwell last week.

Using the plural form 'maldispostos' to describe a group.

8

Ele é um homem que raramente se sente maldisposto.

He is a man who rarely feels unwell.

Describing someone's general state of health.

1

Apesar de me sentir um tanto maldisposto, forcei-me a ir ao evento.

Despite feeling somewhat unwell, I forced myself to go to the event.

Using 'maldisposto' with an adverb ('um tanto') and expressing a strong personal effort.

2

Ela atribuiu o seu mau humor a um estado geral de se sentir maldisposta.

She attributed her bad mood to a general state of feeling unwell.

Connecting feeling unwell to a mood and using 'atribuir'.

3

O ambiente na sala estava maldisposto; ninguém parecia contente.

The atmosphere in the room was unwell; nobody seemed happy.

Metaphorical use of 'maldisposto' to describe an atmosphere.

4

Ele tem tendência a ficar maldisposto quando muda de estação.

He tends to feel unwell when the season changes.

Describing a recurring pattern of feeling unwell.

5

A sua recusa em participar foi justificada pelo facto de se sentir maldisposto.

His refusal to participate was justified by the fact that he felt unwell.

Using a more formal structure ('o facto de') to explain the reason for refusal.

6

Será que o meu corpo está a dar sinais de que me sinto maldisposto?

Is my body giving signs that I am feeling unwell?

Questioning the body's signals of unwellness.

7

As mulheres da família, que geralmente são robustas, estavam todas maldispostas.

The women in the family, who are generally robust, were all feeling unwell.

Using plural feminine 'maldispostas' and contrasting with 'robustas'.

8

Ele não mencionou explicitamente a doença, apenas disse que estava maldisposto.

He didn't explicitly mention the illness, just said he was feeling unwell.

Highlighting the vagueness of 'maldisposto' compared to specific illness.

1

O projeto parecia maldisposto desde o início, com problemas que se acumulavam.

The project seemed unwell from the beginning, with accumulating problems.

Metaphorical use of 'maldisposto' to describe a project in a state of disarray.

2

A sua habitual jovialidade estava obscurecida por um ar visivelmente maldisposto.

His usual joviality was obscured by a visibly unwell appearance.

Using 'maldisposto' to describe an appearance that contradicts one's usual disposition.

3

A crítica social subjacente à peça sugere que a própria sociedade está maldisposta.

The social critique underlying the play suggests that society itself is unwell.

Applying 'maldisposto' to a societal or systemic issue.

4

Ele tentou disfarçar o seu desconforto, mas o seu semblante maldisposto não enganava ninguém.

He tried to hide his discomfort, but his unwell countenance deceived no one.

Using 'maldisposto' to describe a facial expression indicating illness.

5

A conjuntura económica global apresentava sinais de estar maldisposta, com incertezas a pairarem.

The global economic situation showed signs of being unwell, with uncertainties looming.

Using 'maldisposto' in an economic context to describe instability.

6

A sua relutância em aceitar a nova proposta parecia derivar de um estado de espírito maldisposto.

His reluctance to accept the new proposal seemed to stem from an unwell state of mind.

Connecting an emotional or mental state ('estado de espírito') with feeling unwell.

7

O escritor habilmente descreveu a atmosfera opressiva como um reflexo de uma cidade maldisposta.

The writer skillfully described the oppressive atmosphere as a reflection of an unwell city.

Using 'maldisposto' to characterize a place or environment.

8

Mesmo sentindo-se maldisposto, ele manteve a compostura, demonstrando grande resiliência.

Even feeling unwell, he maintained his composure, demonstrating great resilience.

Highlighting resilience in the face of feeling unwell.

1

A narrativa do romance pintava um quadro de uma sociedade intrinsecamente maldisposta, onde a doença social era endémica.

The novel's narrative painted a picture of an intrinsically unwell society, where social disease was endemic.

Highly metaphorical and abstract use of 'maldisposto' to describe societal ills.

2

O filósofo argumentou que a condição humana, em sua essência, é maldisposta, buscando constantemente um equilíbrio inatingível.

The philosopher argued that the human condition, in its essence, is unwell, constantly seeking an unattainable balance.

Philosophical application of 'maldisposto' to the human condition.

3

O crítico literário observou que a obra refletia um espírito de época maldisposto, prenunciando convulsões sociais.

The literary critic observed that the work reflected an unwell spirit of the age, foreshadowing social upheavals.

Using 'maldisposto' to characterize a historical or cultural 'spirit of the age'.

4

A composição musical evocava um sentimento de languidez e desânimo, como se a própria melodia estivesse maldisposta.

The musical composition evoked a feeling of languor and despondency, as if the melody itself were unwell.

Applying 'maldisposto' to an abstract artistic creation like music.

5

A sua prosa, por vezes intrinsecamente maldisposta, capturava a fragilidade da existência humana com uma crueza desconcertante.

His prose, at times intrinsically unwell, captured the fragility of human existence with disconcerting rawness.

Describing the tone or nature of writing as 'maldisposto'.

6

O debate político tornou-se tão maldisposto que a comunicação eficaz se tornou impossível.

The political debate became so unwell that effective communication became impossible.

Using 'maldisposto' to describe a dysfunctional or unhealthy state of discourse.

7

Ele descreveu o seu estado de espírito como um 'mal-estar difuso', uma forma polida de dizer que se sentia maldisposto.

He described his state of mind as a 'diffuse malaise,' a polite way of saying he felt unwell.

Analyzing the linguistic choices used to express feeling unwell.

8

A obra de arte, com suas cores sombrias e formas distorcidas, transmitia uma sensação de desarranjo intrínseco, quase como se a tela estivesse maldisposta.

The artwork, with its somber colors and distorted forms, conveyed a sense of intrinsic disarray, almost as if the canvas itself were unwell.

Applying 'maldisposto' to describe the aesthetic qualities of an artwork.

Collocations courantes

estar maldisposto
sentir-se maldisposto
ficar maldisposto
parecer maldisposto
um pouco maldisposto
muito maldisposto
maldisposto e cansado
maldisposto para fazer algo
maldisposto com alguma coisa
maldisposto de saúde

Phrases Courantes

Estou maldisposto.

— I am feeling unwell.

Não venho trabalhar hoje, estou maldisposto.

Ele parece maldisposto.

— He seems unwell.

Ele está muito pálido, parece maldisposto.

Sinto-me um pouco maldisposto.

— I feel a bit unwell.

Sinto-me um pouco maldisposto, acho que comi algo que não me fez bem.

Ela está maldisposta e vai ficar em casa.

— She is unwell and will stay home.

A Maria não foi à festa porque está maldisposta e vai ficar em casa.

Não quero sair, estou maldisposto.

— I don't want to go out, I'm feeling unwell.

Hoje o tempo está frio e eu estou maldisposto, não quero sair.

Fiquei maldisposto depois da viagem.

— I felt unwell after the trip.

A viagem de autocarro foi longa e fiquei maldisposto depois da viagem.

Ele anda maldisposto ultimamente.

— He's been feeling unwell lately.

O João anda maldisposto ultimamente, espero que não seja nada sério.

Maldisposto e sem energia.

— Unwell and without energy.

Sinto-me maldisposto e sem energia para fazer qualquer coisa.

Preferia ficar em casa, estou maldisposto.

— I'd rather stay home, I'm feeling unwell.

O convite era para ir ao cinema, mas eu preferia ficar em casa, estou maldisposto.

Espero que não seja nada grave, só estou maldisposto.

— I hope it's nothing serious, I'm just feeling unwell.

Não te preocupes, espero que não seja nada grave, só estou maldisposto.

Souvent confondu avec

maldisposto vs Doente

'Doente' means 'sick' and usually implies a more specific or serious illness than 'maldisposto', which is a general feeling of unwellness.

maldisposto vs Mal-humorado

'Mal-humorado' means 'bad-tempered' or 'grumpy'. While feeling unwell can lead to a bad mood, 'maldisposto' specifically refers to physical discomfort.

maldisposto vs Indisposto

Very similar to 'maldisposto' and often interchangeable. Both mean feeling unwell or indisposed, usually temporarily.

Facile à confondre

maldisposto vs Doente

Both relate to not feeling well.

'Maldisposto' describes a general feeling of being unwell or indisposed, often mild and temporary. 'Doente' is a more direct term for 'sick' and often implies a more definite illness, potentially requiring medical attention. You might feel maldisposto because of a cold, but you are 'doente' with the flu.

Estou maldisposto hoje, acho que é só cansaço. Ela está doente com pneumonia.

maldisposto vs Mal-humorado

Feeling physically unwell can lead to a bad mood.

'Maldisposto' refers to physical discomfort or illness. 'Mal-humorado' refers to a negative emotional state or temper. You can be maldisposto without being mal-humorado, and vice-versa, though they can sometimes overlap.

Ele está maldisposto porque dormiu mal. Ela está mal-humorada porque ninguém a ouve.

maldisposto vs Indisposto

Very similar meaning.

'Maldisposto' and 'indisposto' are often interchangeable and both mean feeling unwell or indisposed, typically for a temporary period. 'Indisposto' might sometimes sound slightly more formal or polite, but in most casual contexts, they are synonyms.

Sinto-me maldisposto hoje. / Sinto-me indisposto hoje.

maldisposto vs Bem disposto

It's the direct antonym, using the same root words.

'Maldisposto' means feeling unwell or sick. 'Bem disposto' means feeling well, in good spirits, cheerful, and energetic. It's the opposite state of well-being.

Hoje estou maldisposto e não quero fazer nada. Amanhã estarei bem disposto para a festa.

maldisposto vs Cansado

Fatigue can be a symptom of being maldisposto.

'Cansado' means tired or fatigued. While feeling maldisposto often includes tiredness, it can also involve other symptoms like nausea, aches, or general malaise. You can be tired without being maldisposto, and you can be maldisposto without just being tired.

Estou cansado depois de correr. Estou maldisposto e cansado, preciso de descansar.

Structures de phrases

A1/A2

Subject + estar + maldisposto.

Eu estou maldisposto.

A2

Subject + sentir-se + maldisposto.

Ela sente-se maldisposta.

A2

Parecer + maldisposto.

Tu pareces maldisposto.

A2

Ficar + maldisposto.

Ele ficou maldisposto com a comida.

A2/B1

Subject + estar + maldisposto + [reason/consequence].

Estou maldisposto porque choveu.

B1

Subject + estar + [adverb] + maldisposto.

Estamos um pouco maldispostos.

B1

Subject + estar + maldisposto(a/os/as) + [plural/feminine].

Nós estamos maldispostos.

B2

Apesar de + [feeling] + [action].

Apesar de me sentir maldisposto, fui trabalhar.

Famille de mots

Noms

mal-estar
disposição

Verbes

dispor

Adjectifs

maldisposto
bem disposto
disposto
indisposto

Apparenté

mal
dispor
disposto
indisposto
mal-estar

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High

Erreurs courantes
  • Using 'maldisposto' for a serious illness. Using 'doente' or a more specific term.

    'Maldisposto' implies a general, often mild, feeling of unwellness. For serious illnesses like pneumonia or a broken bone, 'doente' or specific terms are more appropriate.

  • Forgetting gender and number agreement. A Maria está maldisposta. Os rapazes estão maldispostos.

    The adjective must agree with the noun. 'Maldisposto' changes its ending to 'maldisposta' (feminine singular), 'maldispostos' (masculine plural), and 'maldispostas' (feminine plural).

  • Confusing 'maldisposto' with 'mal-humorado'. 'Maldisposto' means physically unwell. 'Mal-humorado' means bad-tempered.

    Feeling physically unwell can lead to a bad mood, but the words have distinct primary meanings. 'Maldisposto' is about health, 'mal-humorado' is about mood.

  • Using 'ser maldisposto' instead of 'estar maldisposto'. Eu estou maldisposto.

    'Ser' is for permanent characteristics, while 'estar' is for temporary states. Feeling unwell is a temporary state, so 'estar' is used.

  • Pronouncing 'maldisposto' with the stress on the wrong syllable. Stress on the third syllable: mal-dis-POS-to.

    Incorrect stress can make the word difficult to understand. Practice saying it aloud to get the rhythm right.

Astuces

Stress and Vowels

Remember that the stress in 'maldisposto' falls on the third syllable: mal-dis-POS-to. Pay attention to the open 'o' sound in 'disposto', similar to the 'o' in 'spot' or 'hot'.

Agreement Matters

Always adjust the ending of 'maldisposto' to match the gender and number of the person or people you are describing. This shows a good grasp of Portuguese grammar.

General vs. Specific

Use 'maldisposto' for general feelings of being unwell. If you have a specific illness like the flu ('gripe') or a headache ('dor de cabeça'), you might use those more specific terms, or say you are 'doente'.

Synonym Awareness

Familiarize yourself with synonyms like 'indisposto' and 'sentir-se mal'. Knowing these alternatives will help you understand and express yourself more effectively in various contexts.

Everyday Use

This word is very common in daily conversations. Try to use it when you feel slightly unwell to practice. It's a safe and widely understood term.

Break It Down

Remember 'mal' means 'bad' and 'disposto' relates to 'disposition' or 'state'. So, 'maldisposto' literally means having a 'bad disposition' or being in a 'bad state' of health.

'Maldisposto' vs. 'Mal-humorado'

Don't confuse 'maldisposto' (physically unwell) with 'mal-humorado' (bad-tempered). While one can lead to the other, they have distinct primary meanings.

Sentence Building

Create sentences using 'maldisposto' with different subjects and verbs ('estar', 'sentir-se', 'parecer'). This will solidify your understanding of its usage.

Polite Expression

Using 'maldisposto' can be a polite way to explain why you need to rest or cancel plans, without needing to go into specific details about your health.

Metaphorical Extension

Be aware that 'maldisposto' can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe things that are not functioning correctly or are in a negative state, though this is less common than its literal meaning.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine someone feeling 'ill' (mal) because their 'disposition' (disposto) is off. They are not in a good disposition because they are feeling ill.

Association visuelle

Picture a person feeling sick, perhaps lying in bed with a thermometer, looking 'bad' (mal) because their usual 'disposition' (disposto) is gone. Or, imagine a broken clock that is 'mal' (badly) 'disposto' (arranged), symbolizing something not working correctly, like one's health.

Word Web

maldisposto mal disposto estar sentir-se doente indisposto cansado

Défi

Try to describe your own feelings using 'maldisposto' and one of its synonyms in a short paragraph. For example, 'Today I woke up feeling maldisposto. I decided not to go to the gym because I felt indisposto and preferred to rest at home.'

Origine du mot

The word 'maldisposto' is a compound word formed from the adverb 'mal' (badly, ill) and the past participle 'disposto' (arranged, inclined, disposed) from the verb 'dispor'. It literally means 'badly arranged' or 'ill-inclined' in terms of one's health or state.

Sens originel : Originally, it referred to something being in a bad state or arrangement. Over time, it specifically came to describe a person's physical state of not being well.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > Portuguese

Contexte culturel

It's generally a neutral term and not considered offensive. It's a common way to discuss physical well-being.

In English, we have similar phrases like 'feeling under the weather,' 'not feeling myself,' or 'feeling a bit off.' 'Maldisposto' captures this general sense of mild indisposition well.

Characters in Brazilian telenovelas frequently use 'maldisposto' to explain their actions or moods. Portuguese fado songs sometimes allude to a melancholic state that could be described as 'maldisposto'. In everyday conversations, it's common to hear parents telling children, 'Não fiques maldisposto, vai brincar!' (Don't be unwell, go play!).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Morning conversations

  • Bom dia, como está?
  • Mais ou menos, estou um pouco maldisposto.
  • Espero que melhore logo.

Declining invitations

  • Não posso ir hoje.
  • Porquê?
  • Estou maldisposto e prefiro descansar.

Talking about family health

  • Como está o teu filho?
  • Ele esteve maldisposto a semana passada.
  • Agora já está melhor?

Explaining absence from work/school

  • Não venho trabalhar hoje.
  • Não se sente bem?
  • Não, estou maldisposto e preciso de ficar em casa.

Describing physical feelings

  • Sinto-me maldisposto.
  • O que se passa?
  • Não sei, só me sinto maldisposto e cansado.

Amorces de conversation

"How are you feeling today? Are you maldisposto?"

"If you woke up maldisposto, what would be the first thing you'd do?"

"Can you think of a time you were maldisposto and had to cancel plans?"

"What's the difference between being 'maldisposto' and 'doente'?"

"How would you politely tell someone you are maldisposto?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time you felt maldisposto. What were your symptoms, and what did you do to feel better?

Imagine you have to explain to a friend why you can't go out because you are maldisposto. Write the conversation.

Compare and contrast the feeling of being 'maldisposto' with being 'cansado' (tired). When do you feel one versus the other?

Write a short diary entry about a day when you woke up maldisposto. How did it affect your plans?

Think about the word 'maldisposto'. What other feelings or situations can it be metaphorically applied to, even if it's not its primary meaning?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

'Maldisposto' describes a general feeling of being unwell, under the weather, or indisposed, often temporarily and without a specific diagnosed illness. 'Doente' is a more direct translation of 'sick' or 'ill' and usually implies a more definite or serious condition that might require medical attention. For example, you might feel 'maldisposto' because of a slight cold, but you are 'doente' with the flu.

Primarily, 'maldisposto' refers to physical unwellness. However, feeling physically unwell can certainly affect one's mood, leading to irritability or a lack of enthusiasm. In a broader, more metaphorical sense, one might describe a tense situation or a negative atmosphere as 'maldisposto', but its core meaning is physical.

As an adjective, 'maldisposto' needs to agree with the noun it describes. For masculine singular (e.g., 'o homem'), it's 'maldisposto'. For feminine singular (e.g., 'a mulher'), it's 'maldisposta'. For masculine plural (e.g., 'os homens'), it's 'maldispostos'. For feminine plural (e.g., 'as mulheres'), it's 'maldispostas'. However, the masculine singular form is very commonly used even when referring to oneself generally.

No, 'maldisposto' is generally not a strong word. It indicates a mild or moderate feeling of unwellness. It's softer than 'doente' and is suitable for everyday situations where you're just not feeling your best.

Yes, you can use 'maldisposto' to describe feeling unwell after drinking too much alcohol, as a hangover is a state of physical discomfort. You could say, 'Estou maldisposto hoje por causa da festa de ontem.' (I'm feeling unwell today because of yesterday's party.)

'Maldisposto' and 'indisposto' are very similar and often interchangeable. Both mean feeling unwell or indisposed, usually temporarily. 'Indisposto' can sometimes sound slightly more formal or polite, but in most everyday contexts, they convey the same meaning.

Yes, it can be used for children. A parent might ask, 'Você está maldisposto?' (Are you feeling unwell?) or a child might say, 'Mamãe, estou maldisposto.' (Mommy, I feel unwell.)

The most common verbs used with 'maldisposto' are 'estar' (to be, for temporary states) and 'sentir-se' (to feel). For example, 'Eu estou maldisposto' or 'Eu sinto-me maldisposto'.

You should use 'maldisposto' when you feel generally unwell, which might include symptoms like nausea, aches, or a general feeling of malaise, not just tiredness. 'Cansado' specifically means tired or fatigued. You can be tired without being maldisposto, and you can be maldisposto with various symptoms including tiredness.

Yes, 'maldisposto' can be used metaphorically to describe things that are not functioning well or are in a bad state, such as a project, a situation, or even an atmosphere. For example, 'O projeto está maldisposto' (The project is unwell/in a bad state).

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