At the A1 level, you should focus on the basic physical meaning of 'fôlego'. Think of it as the air you need when you are tired. It is most commonly used in simple phrases like 'estou sem fôlego' (I am out of breath). At this stage, you don't need to worry about the metaphorical uses. Just understand that when someone runs fast and stops, they are 'sem fôlego'. It is a masculine noun, so always use 'o' or 'um'. You might hear it in a gym or during a sports class. Practice saying it with a closed 'ô' sound, almost like the 'o' in 'more' but shorter and more contained. It's a useful word for describing how you feel after physical activity. Even at A1, knowing how to express being tired or breathless is very helpful for basic communication. Just remember: 'fôlego' = breath you need for energy.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'fôlego' in more descriptive ways. This is the level where you learn the very common expression 'de tirar o fôlego' (breathtaking). You can use this to describe a beautiful sunset or a great movie. You should also start using verbs like 'recuperar' (to recover) or 'perder' (to lose) with 'fôlego'. For example, 'Eu perdi o fôlego na subida'. You are moving beyond just saying you are tired and starting to describe the *process* of losing and regaining your stamina. You will also see it used in simple stories or descriptions of athletes. At A2, you should be comfortable with the singular masculine form and its most common collocations. It's a great word to add variety to your descriptions of experiences and physical states. It makes your Portuguese sound more idiomatic than just using 'cansado' (tired).
By B1, you should be able to use 'fôlego' metaphorically. This means applying the concept of 'breath' to non-physical things like work, projects, or financial situations. For instance, you might say a project is 'ganhando fôlego' (gaining momentum/strength). You should also understand the nuance between 'fôlego' and 'respiração'. While 'respiração' is the physiological act, 'fôlego' is the capacity or the energy behind it. You can use 'fôlego' to describe someone's persistence. 'Ele tem fôlego para estudar dez horas por dia'. Here, it means endurance. You are also expected to use phrases like 'de um fôlego só' to describe doing something without stopping. This level requires a deeper understanding of how the word functions as a measure of intensity and duration in various life contexts, not just in sports.
At the B2 level, you should use 'fôlego' with precision in professional and academic contexts. You might discuss the 'fôlego financeiro' of a company or the 'fôlego político' of a candidate. You understand that 'fôlego' implies a reserve of energy or resources that allows for continued action. You can use it to critique a piece of literature or a film, noting if the plot 'perde o fôlego' (loses its pace) in the middle. Your vocabulary should include synonyms like 'alento' for more formal writing. You are also aware of the subtle difference between 'fôlego' and 'resistência' in a sports science or health context. At this stage, 'fôlego' is a versatile tool in your linguistic arsenal, allowing you to describe the 'life force' or 'momentum' of almost any process or entity with nuance and cultural accuracy.
At the C1 level, you are exploring the literary and philosophical depths of 'fôlego'. You recognize it in high-level literature where it might represent the spirit or the vital essence of a character. You can use it to discuss complex abstract concepts, such as the 'fôlego de uma civilização' (the vitality of a civilization). You are comfortable with archaic or rare uses, and you can play with the word in creative writing. You understand the rhythmic implications of 'fôlego' in poetry and prose—how a long sentence might require a 'fôlego' from the reader. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, using it to convey subtle shades of meaning regarding intensity, exhaustion, and resilience. You might use it in a debate to describe the sustainability of an argument or a social movement, showing a deep grasp of its metaphorical power.
At the C2 level, 'fôlego' is a word you manipulate with total mastery. You can use it in the most formal or the most slang-heavy contexts with perfect appropriateness. You might analyze the 'fôlego' of a historical era or use the word in a legal or technical sense where stamina and duration are key. You are aware of its etymological roots and how they influence its various meanings across the Lusophone world. You can distinguish between the 'fôlego' of a Brazilian samba and a Portuguese fado, using the word to describe the cultural energy and breath of the music. For you, 'fôlego' is not just a word for breath; it is a fundamental concept of life, energy, and continuity that you can weave into any discourse, no matter how complex or specialized, with absolute precision and elegance.

fôlego 30秒で

  • Fôlego means breath or stamina in physical and metaphorical contexts.
  • Commonly used in expressions like 'sem fôlego' (out of breath).
  • Describes breathtaking things as 'de tirar o fôlego'.
  • Essential for discussing sports, energy levels, and project momentum.

The Portuguese word fôlego is a multifaceted noun that primarily translates to 'breath' or 'stamina' in English. While it refers to the physical act of breathing, it carries a much stronger connotation of lung capacity, endurance, and the vital energy required to sustain a physical or mental effort. Unlike the word 'respiração', which describes the biological process of breathing, fôlego is what you lose after a long run or what you need to finish a difficult task. It is the 'wind' in your sails and the 'gas' in your tank.

Physical Capacity
It refers to the amount of air your lungs can hold and how long you can sustain an activity without gasping. Athletes often talk about their fôlego during training.

Depois de subir as escadas, eu estava completamente sem fôlego.

Beyond the physical, fôlego is used metaphorically to describe resilience. If a company has 'fôlego financeiro', it means it has enough capital to survive a crisis. If a project has 'fôlego', it has the momentum to reach completion. It is a word of vitality. You will hear it in sports commentaries, romantic descriptions of views, and everyday complaints about being tired. It is an essential word for describing the intensity of life's experiences.

Emotional Impact
When something is so beautiful or shocking that you stop breathing, it is 'de tirar o fôlego'. This is the equivalent of 'breathtaking'.

A vista do topo da montanha é de tirar o fôlego.

In a social context, taking a 'fôlego' means taking a break to recover your energy. It is common to say 'preciso de um fôlego' when feeling overwhelmed by work or personal responsibilities. It implies a temporary pause to gather strength before continuing. This nuance is crucial for learners to understand because it bridges the gap between physical exhaustion and mental fatigue.

Ele correu a maratona inteira com um fôlego impressionante.

Metaphorical Endurance
Used to describe the longevity or sustainability of a situation, such as a political movement or an economic trend.

O novo governo parece ter pouco fôlego para as reformas.

A cantora tem muito fôlego para sustentar notas altas.

Using fôlego correctly requires understanding its common verb pairings. You don't just 'have' breath; you 'take' it, 'lose' it, or 'recover' it. These collocations are the key to sounding natural in Portuguese. For instance, when you are exhausted, you are 'sem fôlego' (without breath). If you stop to rest, you are 'tomando fôlego' or 'recuperando o fôlego'. These phrases are ubiquitous in both literal and figurative senses.

Loss of Breath
Used when physical exertion or sudden emotion makes it hard to breathe. The verb 'perder' (to lose) is the standard companion here.

Eu perdi o fôlego tentando alcançar o ônibus.

Another important usage is in the phrase 'de um fôlego só' (in one breath). This describes doing something quickly and without stopping. For example, if you read a book in one sitting, you read it 'de um fôlego só'. This highlights the idea of sustained effort and continuity. It is a very descriptive way to emphasize the intensity or speed of an action.

Recovery
The verbs 'recuperar' or 'retomar' are used when you are getting your energy back. This is often used in work contexts when taking a short vacation.

Depois do feriado, voltei ao trabalho com novo fôlego.

In the plural form, 'fôlegos' is rarely used, but you might encounter 'tomar fôlegos' in older literature, though in modern Portuguese, the singular is almost always preferred even when referring to multiple people. 'Todos perderam o fôlego' is more common than 'todos perderam os fôlegos'. Pay attention to the preposition 'de' when using it as an adjective (e.g., 'uma corrida de fôlego' - a long-distance race).

Ele leu o poema de um fôlego só, sem pausar.

Long-term Stamina
Describing something that requires endurance over time. 'Uma obra de fôlego' is a monumental work of art or literature.

Escrever um dicionário é um trabalho de grande fôlego.

Quanto tempo você consegue segurar o fôlego embaixo d'água?

You will encounter fôlego in a variety of real-world scenarios, from the mundane to the extraordinary. In a Brazilian or Portuguese gym, a personal trainer might yell, 'Não perde o fôlego!' (Don't lose your breath/momentum!) during a high-intensity interval training session. It is the language of physical exertion. If you are watching a football match, the commentator will likely mention the 'fôlego' of a player who is still sprinting in the 90th minute of the game.

Sports Commentary
Used to describe the physical conditioning of athletes. A player with 'muito fôlego' is one who never seems to get tired.

O lateral-direito tem um fôlego de invejar qualquer um.

In the world of tourism and travel, 'fôlego' is the adjective of choice for stunning landscapes. Travel brochures and Instagram captions are filled with phrases like 'uma paisagem de tirar o fôlego'. Here, it conveys a sense of awe and wonder that is so intense it literally stops your breath. It is a high-register emotional descriptor that has become a standard cliché in travel writing.

Travel & Aesthetics
Used to describe breathtaking views, beautiful architecture, or even a stunning person.

A chegada ao Rio de Janeiro é uma experiência de tirar o fôlego.

In business and economics, 'fôlego' refers to the sustainability of a trend or the liquidity of a company. You might read in a financial newspaper that 'o mercado perdeu o fôlego' (the market lost its momentum), meaning that the prices have stopped rising or the trading volume has decreased. It is a vital term for understanding economic cycles and the 'energy' of the market.

Você sente falta de fôlego quando caminha rápido?

Daily Life
Used when someone is talking too much or too fast. You might jokingly say 'Toma fôlego!' to someone who isn't letting you speak.

Calma, tome um pouco de fôlego antes de continuar a história.

O romance tem um fôlego épico que prende o leitor.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing fôlego with 'respiração' or 'ar'. While they all relate to breathing, they are not interchangeable. 'Respiração' is the technical or general act of breathing (e.g., 'respiração boca-a-boca'). 'Ar' is the physical substance (air). If you say 'estou sem ar', it sounds like you are suffocating, whereas 'estou sem fôlego' sounds like you are tired from running.

Fôlego vs. Ar
Use 'ar' for the gas and 'fôlego' for the capacity. 'Falta de ar' is a medical symptom; 'falta de fôlego' is usually a sign of being out of shape.

Dizer 'estou sem ar' pode soar como uma emergência médica, use 'sem fôlego' para cansaço.

Another mistake is the gender of the word. Fôlego is masculine ('o fôlego'). Beginners often try to make it feminine because many Portuguese words ending in '-o' that relate to abstract concepts can be tricky, or they might confuse it with 'folha' (leaf) which is feminine. Always use 'um fôlego' or 'o fôlego'. Also, be careful with the accent mark (circumflex) on the 'ô'. It indicates a closed vowel sound which is essential for correct pronunciation.

Preposition Errors
Learners often say 'com fôlego' when they mean 'in one breath'. The correct idiomatic expression is 'de um fôlego só'.

Não diga 'li o livro em um fôlego', diga 'de um fôlego só'.

Lastly, don't overuse the word for simple breathing. If you are telling someone to 'just breathe' to calm down, the verb 'respira' is much better than mentioning 'fôlego'. 'Fôlego' implies a certain level of intensity or duration. It's about the 'long-haul' breath. Using it for a simple, single inhale can sound overly dramatic or technically incorrect in a casual conversation.

O quarto está sem ar (stuffy), não sem fôlego.

Translation Pitfall
Translating 'out of breath' as 'fora de fôlego' is a literal translation that sounds unnatural. The correct way is 'sem fôlego'.

Diga 'estou sem fôlego', nunca 'estou fora de fôlego'.

Eles perderam o fôlego (singular), mesmo sendo várias pessoas.

Understanding the synonyms and related terms for fôlego will help you choose the most precise word for every situation. While 'fôlego' is the most common word for stamina, others like 'resistência', 'fôlego', and 'fôlego' (yes, the word itself is often the best choice) have subtle differences. 'Resistência' is more clinical and refers to physical endurance over a long period, whereas 'fôlego' is more about the immediate availability of breath.

Fôlego vs. Resistência
'Fôlego' is the air in your lungs right now; 'resistência' is your body's ability to keep going for hours.

Ele tem muito fôlego para o sprint final, mas pouca resistência para a maratona.

Another alternative is 'alento'. This is a more poetic and formal word. It translates to 'breath' but often carries the meaning of 'encouragement' or 'soul'. You might hear it in a song or read it in a classic novel. It is less about the physical act and more about the spiritual or emotional energy. If someone gives you 'alento', they are giving you the strength to go on. It's a beautiful, sophisticated alternative to 'fôlego'.

Fôlego vs. Alento
'Fôlego' is physical/practical; 'alento' is poetic/emotional. Use 'alento' for things that feed the spirit.

Suas palavras me deram novo alento (fôlego espiritual).

In very informal Brazilian Portuguese, you might hear people use 'gás' (gas) as a synonym for 'fôlego'. This is very similar to the English 'to run out of gas'. It refers to energy and momentum. 'Estou sem gás' is a very common way to say you are too tired to do anything else. It's more casual than 'estou sem fôlego' and is used for general tiredness, not just the kind caused by running or physical exercise.

No fim do dia, eu já estava sem nenhum gás.

Fôlego vs. Fôlego (Stamina)
In some contexts, 'stamina' is translated as 'estamina', but this is an anglicism. 'Fôlego' or 'resistência' are much more natural.

Para nadar 2km, você precisa de muito fôlego.

O projeto precisa de mais fôlego (investimento/energia) para continuar.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The word 'fôlego' shares the same root as the English word 'folly' and 'follicle', all tracing back to the idea of a bag or something puffed up with air.

発音ガイド

UK /ˈfo.le.ɡu/
US /ˈfo.le.ɡu/
The stress is on the first syllable (proparoxítona), indicated by the circumflex accent on the 'ô'.
韻が合う語
pêssego córrego galego apego cego desapego emprego sossego
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing the 'ô' as an open 'o' (like 'hot').
  • Stressing the second syllable ('fo-LÊ-go').
  • Ignoring the final 'o' to 'u' shift in Brazilian Portuguese.
  • Confusing the 'l' sound with a 'u' (vocalization of 'l' doesn't happen here).
  • Making the 'e' too long.

難易度

読解 2/5

Easy to recognize in context once the basic meaning is known.

ライティング 3/5

Requires remembering the circumflex accent and masculine gender.

スピーキング 3/5

The 'ô' sound and the proparoxítona stress can be tricky for beginners.

リスニング 2/5

Distinctive sound makes it relatively easy to hear.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

ar respiração correr cansado pulmão

次に学ぶ

resistência alento esforço ofegante vigor

上級

pujança vivacidade estamina resiliência perseverança

知っておくべき文法

Proparoxítonas are always accented.

Fôlego, pêssego, pássaro.

Masculine nouns ending in -o.

O fôlego, o livro, o carro.

Use of 'sem' to denote lack of something.

Sem fôlego, sem dinheiro, sem tempo.

Idiomatic use of 'de' to create adjective phrases.

De tirar o fôlego (breathtaking).

Contraction of 'em' + 'um' = 'num'.

Bebeu num fôlego só.

レベル別の例文

1

Eu estou sem fôlego.

I am out of breath.

The preposition 'sem' (without) is used to indicate the lack of breath.

2

Ele corre e perde o fôlego.

He runs and loses his breath.

The verb 'perder' (to lose) is commonly paired with 'fôlego'.

3

Você tem fôlego?

Do you have breath/stamina?

Simple use of the verb 'ter' (to have).

4

O fôlego é importante para nadar.

Breath is important for swimming.

Definite article 'O' showing the word is masculine.

5

Ela parou para tomar fôlego.

She stopped to take a breath.

The phrase 'tomar fôlego' means to rest briefly.

6

Um fôlego curto.

A short breath.

Adjective 'curto' (short) modifying the noun.

7

Eu não tenho muito fôlego.

I don't have much stamina.

Negative construction with 'não tenho'.

8

Respire e recupere o fôlego.

Breathe and recover your breath.

Imperative verbs 'respire' and 'recupere'.

1

A vista é de tirar o fôlego.

The view is breathtaking.

The idiom 'de tirar o fôlego' is a fixed expression.

2

Ele recuperou o fôlego rapidamente.

He recovered his breath quickly.

Adverb 'rapidamente' modifying the recovery.

3

Preciso de um fôlego antes de continuar.

I need a breath/break before continuing.

Metaphorical use meaning a short break.

4

Ela canta sem perder o fôlego.

She sings without losing her breath.

Shows breath control in an artistic context.

5

O fôlego dele é impressionante.

His stamina is impressive.

Possessive 'dele' (his) used with the noun.

6

Não gaste todo o seu fôlego agora.

Don't spend all your breath/energy now.

The verb 'gastar' (to spend) used figuratively.

7

Foi uma subida de tirar o fôlego.

It was a breathtaking climb (very hard).

Can mean both beautiful and physically exhausting.

8

Eles estão tomando fôlego para a festa.

They are gathering energy for the party.

Present continuous construction.

1

O projeto está ganhando fôlego novo.

The project is gaining new momentum.

Metaphorical use for momentum or renewed energy.

2

Li o livro de um fôlego só.

I read the book in one sitting (in one breath).

Idiom 'de um fôlego só' implies no interruptions.

3

A economia precisa de fôlego para crescer.

The economy needs stamina/resources to grow.

Economic context for the word 'fôlego'.

4

Ele não teve fôlego para terminar a prova.

He didn't have the stamina to finish the exam/race.

Can refer to mental or physical endurance.

5

A empresa tem fôlego financeiro para a crise.

The company has the financial reserves for the crisis.

Specific business term 'fôlego financeiro'.

6

O nadador segurou o fôlego por dois minutos.

The swimmer held his breath for two minutes.

Literal use: 'segurar o fôlego' (to hold breath).

7

A notícia me tirou o fôlego.

The news took my breath away (shocked me).

Emotional use of 'tirar o fôlego'.

8

A caminhada exige muito fôlego dos iniciantes.

The hike requires a lot of stamina from beginners.

Verb 'exigir' (to require) indicates necessity.

1

O autor demonstra um fôlego narrativo incrível.

The author demonstrates incredible narrative stamina.

Refers to the ability to maintain a long story.

2

As reformas perderam fôlego no congresso.

The reforms lost momentum in congress.

Political context for losing 'fôlego'.

3

É preciso fôlego para enfrentar essa burocracia.

It takes stamina to face this bureaucracy.

Abstract use for patience and persistence.

4

O mercado de ações retomou o fôlego hoje.

The stock market regained its momentum today.

Financial context: 'retomar o fôlego'.

5

Sua voz tem um fôlego que preenche a sala.

Your voice has a power/breath that fills the room.

Refers to vocal power and projection.

6

O filme é longo, mas não perde o fôlego.

The movie is long, but it doesn't lose its pace.

Used to describe the rhythm of a film.

7

Ela enfrentou o desafio com um fôlego invejável.

She faced the challenge with enviable stamina.

Adjective 'invejável' (enviable) heightens the noun.

8

O atleta está no limite do seu fôlego.

The athlete is at the limit of his stamina.

Idiom 'no limite de' (at the limit of).

1

A obra, de fôlego épico, narra a história do país.

The work, of epic scope, narrates the country's history.

'De fôlego' here means monumental or extensive.

2

Falta fôlego moral para certas decisões políticas.

There is a lack of moral stamina for certain political decisions.

Abstract application to ethics and courage.

3

O fôlego da vida parece se esvair nestas ruas.

The breath of life seems to fade away in these streets.

Poetic/Literary use equivalent to 'vitality'.

4

É uma pesquisa de fôlego que durou dez anos.

It is an extensive research project that lasted ten years.

Indicates long-term commitment and depth.

5

O orador, sem fôlego, concluiu seu discurso inflamado.

The speaker, breathless, concluded his fiery speech.

Describes both physical state and emotional intensity.

6

A cidade recupera o fôlego após o festival.

The city catches its breath after the festival.

Personification of the city.

7

Sua argumentação carece de fôlego lógico.

His argument lacks logical sustainability/depth.

Intellectual use: ability to sustain a point.

8

O fôlego criativo do artista parece inesgotável.

The artist's creative stamina seems inexhaustible.

Refers to the constant flow of ideas.

1

O fôlego vital que anima a matéria é um mistério.

The vital breath that animates matter is a mystery.

Philosophical use (élan vital).

2

A narrativa perde-se em fôlegos curtos e fragmentados.

The narrative gets lost in short and fragmented breaths/bursts.

Literary criticism of style and rhythm.

3

O fôlego das instituições democráticas está sendo testado.

The resilience of democratic institutions is being tested.

High-level political analysis.

4

Subjaz à obra um fôlego de resistência cultural.

Underlying the work is a breath of cultural resistance.

Academic discussion of subtext and meaning.

5

O fôlego da prosa rosiana exige um leitor atento.

The breath of Guimarães Rosa's prose requires an attentive reader.

Reference to a specific literary style (rhythm/pace).

6

Recuperar o fôlego civilizatório é o desafio do século.

Recovering the civilizational momentum is the challenge of the century.

Grand-scale metaphorical use.

7

A dialética do fôlego e da pausa define o poema.

The dialectic of breath and pause defines the poem.

Technical analysis of poetic structure.

8

Não há fôlego que sustente tamanha injustiça.

There is no endurance (or spirit) that can sustain such injustice.

Moral/Ethical condemnation.

よく使う組み合わせ

perder o fôlego
recuperar o fôlego
tomar fôlego
sem fôlego
de tirar o fôlego
fôlego financeiro
obra de fôlego
falta de fôlego
segurar o fôlego
ganhar fôlego

よく使うフレーズ

Num fôlego só

— Doing something very quickly without stopping. Usually used for reading, speaking, or drinking.

Ele bebeu a cerveja num fôlego só.

Até o último fôlego

— Until the very end, until death or total exhaustion.

Lutou pela liberdade até o último fôlego.

Dar um fôlego

— To give someone a break or some relief.

O chefe deu um fôlego para a equipe após o prazo.

Ficar sem fôlego

— To become breathless, either physically or due to surprise.

Fiquei sem fôlego com a surpresa.

Ter fôlego de sete gatos

— To have incredible endurance (similar to having nine lives).

Aquele velho tem fôlego de sete gatos!

Curtos fôlegos

— Short bursts of effort or breathing.

Ele trabalha em curtos fôlegos.

Perda de fôlego

— Loss of momentum or energy.

Houve uma perda de fôlego no crescimento econômico.

Novo fôlego

— A fresh start or renewed energy.

As férias me deram um novo fôlego.

Guardar fôlego

— To save energy for later.

Guarde fôlego para o final da prova.

Fôlego curto

— Poor stamina or literal short breath.

Fumantes geralmente têm fôlego curto.

よく混同される語

fôlego vs respiração

Respiração is the act; fôlego is the capacity or energy.

fôlego vs ar

Ar is the substance (air); fôlego is the breath in your lungs.

fôlego vs folga

Folga means time off or slack; fôlego is breath.

慣用句と表現

"De tirar o fôlego"

— Something so amazing, beautiful, or shocking that it makes you gasp.

Ela estava com um vestido de tirar o fôlego.

Neutral
"Num fôlego só"

— To do something all at once, without any pauses.

Contou a fofoca toda num fôlego só.

Informal
"Sem fôlego"

— Completely exhausted or very surprised.

Cheguei sem fôlego de tanto correr.

Neutral
"Recuperar o fôlego"

— To take a rest to get your energy back.

Depois da discussão, ela precisou recuperar o fôlego.

Neutral
"Tomar fôlego"

— To pause and prepare yourself for something difficult.

Tome fôlego, a notícia é ruim.

Neutral
"Até o último fôlego"

— To persist in something until it is no longer possible.

Vou te amar até o meu último fôlego.

Literary/Romantic
"Perder o fôlego"

— To lose the ability to continue at the same pace.

O movimento de protesto perdeu o fôlego.

Neutral
"Ter fôlego"

— To have the capacity or resources to endure.

Você tem fôlego para esse cargo?

Neutral
"Fôlego de corredor"

— Excellent physical stamina.

Ele tem fôlego de corredor de maratona.

Neutral
"Dar fôlego a"

— To encourage or sustain something.

O investimento deu fôlego à pequena empresa.

Neutral

間違えやすい

fôlego vs Fole

Related root and similar sound.

Fole is the physical object (bellows); fôlego is the breath/stamina.

Ele usou o fole para acender o fogo.

fôlego vs Folha

Similar spelling.

Folha means leaf or sheet of paper.

A folha da árvore caiu.

fôlego vs Fogo

Similar sound.

Fogo means fire.

O fogo está quente.

fôlego vs Folgado

Similar root (slack).

Folgado means lazy, cheeky, or loose-fitting.

Aquele rapaz é muito folgado.

fôlego vs Falar

Both involve the mouth/breath.

Falar is the verb 'to speak'.

Eu gosto de falar português.

文型パターン

A1

Eu estou sem [noun].

Eu estou sem fôlego.

A2

O/A [noun] é de tirar o fôlego.

A vista é de tirar o fôlego.

B1

[Verb] o fôlego para [verb].

Recuperei o fôlego para continuar.

B2

A [noun] perdeu o fôlego.

A economia perdeu o fôlego.

C1

Uma obra de [adjective] fôlego.

Uma obra de grande fôlego.

A2

Preciso tomar [noun].

Preciso tomar fôlego.

B1

Fazer [action] num fôlego só.

Li o jornal num fôlego só.

B2

Ter fôlego [adjective].

Ter fôlego financeiro.

語族

名詞

fôlego
ofegança (breathlessness)
respiro (breath/rest)

動詞

ofegar (to gasp/pant)
respirar (to breathe)
alentar (to encourage/give breath)

形容詞

ofegante (panting/breathless)
alentado (encouraged/brave)
respiratório (respiratory)

関連

ar
pulmão
oxigênio
resistência
estamina

使い方

frequency

Very common in daily life, sports, and media.

よくある間違い
  • Estou fora de fôlego. Estou sem fôlego.

    In English we say 'out of breath', but in Portuguese we say 'without breath'.

  • A vista é de tirar o ar. A vista é de tirar o fôlego.

    The idiom specifically uses 'fôlego', not 'ar'.

  • Eu perdi a fôlego. Eu perdi o fôlego.

    Fôlego is a masculine noun.

  • Li o livro em um fôlego. Li o livro num fôlego só.

    The correct idiom requires the word 'só' at the end to mean 'all at once'.

  • O folego é bom. O fôlego é bom.

    The accent mark is mandatory for both grammar and pronunciation.

ヒント

Sports Tip

If you are tired after running, say 'Estou sem fôlego'. It sounds more natural than saying 'Estou cansado'.

Accent Mark

Don't forget the circumflex accent (^) on the 'ô'. It's what makes the word a 'proparoxítona' and changes the pronunciation.

Impress People

Use 'de tirar o fôlego' instead of 'muito bonito'. It makes your Portuguese sound much more advanced and expressive.

Business Tip

Use 'fôlego' to describe the momentum of a project. 'O projeto está com fôlego total' (The project has full momentum).

Vowel Sound

The final 'o' in fôlego is very soft, almost like a 'u'. Focus on the first syllable and let the rest fade out.

Reading Tip

If you read something very fast, use 'Li num fôlego só'. It’s a great way to describe a page-turner.

Medical Tip

In a pharmacy or clinic, use 'falta de fôlego' to describe shortness of breath during physical activity.

Dramatic Effect

Use 'me tirou o fôlego' to describe a shock or a huge surprise. It’s very common in emotional storytelling.

Fôlego vs. Gás

Use 'gás' for general energy (I'm tired after work) and 'fôlego' for specific breath-related energy (I'm tired after running).

Visual Aid

Visualize your lungs as bellows. This helps you remember the root 'fole' and the meaning of 'fôlego'.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of a 'FO-lding' 'LE-go' set that requires a lot of 'GO' (energy) and breath to finish.

視覚的連想

Imagine a pair of old-fashioned fireplace bellows (fole) pumping air into a fire. Your lungs are like those bellows, providing the 'fôlego'.

Word Web

ar pulmão corrida cansaço stamina vida pausa esforço

チャレンジ

Try to use 'fôlego' three times today: once for physical tiredness, once for a beautiful view, and once for a long task.

語源

Derived from the Latin 'follis', which means 'bellows' or 'leather bag/pouch'. This refers to the lungs acting like bellows to move air.

元の意味: The movement of air or the instrument (bellows) used to move it.

Romance (Latin)

文化的な背景

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral and widely used term.

English speakers often use 'wind' (as in 'to get your wind back') or 'stamina'. 'Fôlego' covers both perfectly.

The expression 'De tirar o fôlego' is used in countless Brazilian song titles and movie reviews. Sports commentators like Galvão Bueno frequently use the word during high-stakes matches. Literary works by Clarice Lispector often explore the 'fôlego' of internal thoughts.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Sports & Exercise

  • Estou sem fôlego.
  • Ele tem muito fôlego.
  • Preciso recuperar o fôlego.
  • Não perca o fôlego.

Aesthetics & Travel

  • Uma vista de tirar o fôlego.
  • A beleza dela tira o fôlego.
  • Um lugar de tirar o fôlego.
  • A cena foi de tirar o fôlego.

Business & Work

  • A empresa tem fôlego.
  • O projeto perdeu o fôlego.
  • Precisamos de fôlego novo.
  • Fôlego financeiro.

Health

  • Sinto falta de fôlego.
  • O fôlego está curto.
  • Exercícios para o fôlego.
  • Melhorar o fôlego.

Emotions

  • Fiquei sem fôlego com o susto.
  • A notícia me tirou o fôlego.
  • Tomar fôlego para falar.
  • Um suspiro de fôlego.

会話のきっかけ

"Você já viu alguma paisagem que fosse realmente de tirar o fôlego?"

"Quanto tempo você consegue segurar o fôlego embaixo d'água?"

"Você acha que tem um bom fôlego para correr longas distâncias?"

"O que você faz para recuperar o fôlego quando está muito estressado?"

"Você já leu algum livro tão bom que leu num fôlego só?"

日記のテーマ

Descreva uma experiência recente que tenha sido 'de tirar o fôlego' para você.

Quais são as atividades que mais fazem você perder o fôlego fisicamente?

Pense em um projeto pessoal. Ele está ganhando ou perdendo fôlego no momento?

Como você se sente quando está sem fôlego? Descreva as sensações físicas.

Escreva sobre um momento em que você precisou de muito fôlego moral para agir.

よくある質問

10 問

Not always. While its literal meaning is breath, it often refers to stamina, endurance, or momentum in metaphorical contexts like business or art.

It is a closed 'o', similar to the 'o' in 'boat' but without the 'u' sound at the end. It is a pure, contained vowel.

No. For the air in a room, you should use 'ar'. If the room is stuffy, you say 'falta de ar', not 'falta de fôlego'.

It is masculine: 'o fôlego' or 'um fôlego'. Never use 'a fôlego'.

'Sem fôlego' is an adjective phrase meaning 'out of breath'. 'Ofegante' is an adjective meaning 'panting'. You are 'ofegante' when you are 'sem fôlego'.

No, it can be used for anything impressive: a song, a movie, a speech, or even an abstract idea.

It is grammatically possible ('fôlegos'), but extremely rare in speech. Stick to the singular even for multiple people.

The most common verbs are 'perder' (to lose), 'recuperar' (to recover), 'tomar' (to take), and 'ter' (to have).

It is neutral. It can be used in a medical report, a novel, or a casual conversation at the gym.

Yes, the meaning is identical in all Portuguese-speaking countries, although slang alternatives like 'gás' are more common in Brazil.

自分をテスト 200 問

writing

Escreva uma frase dizendo que você está sem fôlego.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Descreva uma vista bonita usando 'fôlego'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Explique o que significa ler um livro 'num fôlego só'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Use 'fôlego financeiro' em uma frase sobre uma empresa.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Descreva o estilo de um autor usando 'fôlego narrativo'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Pergunte a alguém se ele tem fôlego para correr.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Diga que você precisa parar para descansar e recuperar o fôlego.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Crie uma frase com 'segurar o fôlego'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Diga que as reformas do governo perderam a força.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Use a palavra 'alento' como sinônimo de fôlego.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Escreva a palavra fôlego com o acento correto.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Diga que o filme foi muito emocionante.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Diga que você bebeu toda a água de uma vez.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Fale sobre a energia de um atleta.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Escreva sobre a resistência moral de alguém.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Complete: Estou cansado e sem ___.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

O que acontece se você corre muito?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Use 'tomar fôlego' em um contexto de trabalho.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Use 'ganhar fôlego' em um contexto econômico.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Defina 'obra de fôlego'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'Estou sem fôlego.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'A vista é de tirar o fôlego.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'Li o livro num fôlego só.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'A empresa precisa de fôlego financeiro.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'É uma obra de grande fôlego literário.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Pratique a pronúncia de 'FÔ-le-go' com ênfase na primeira sílaba.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Diga: 'Preciso recuperar o fôlego.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Diga: 'A notícia me tirou o fôlego.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Diga: 'O projeto está ganhando fôlego novo.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Diga: 'Sua argumentação tem fôlego lógico.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Diga: 'O fôlego'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Diga: 'Tirar o fôlego'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Diga: 'Segurar o fôlego'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Diga: 'Perder o fôlego'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Diga: 'Alento vital'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Diga: 'Sem fôlego'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Diga: 'Tomar fôlego'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Diga: 'Fôlego curto'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Diga: 'Fôlego de corredor'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Diga: 'Obra de fôlego'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Transcreva a frase: 'Estou sem fôlego.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Transcreva a frase: 'Que vista de tirar o fôlego!'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Transcreva a frase: 'Recuperei o fôlego após a corrida.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Transcreva a frase: 'A economia está sem fôlego para crescer.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Transcreva a frase: 'Trata-se de um ensaio de fôlego intelectual.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Ouça e identifique a palavra: fôlego.

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Identifique o verbo: 'Tirar o fôlego'.

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Identifique a preposição: 'Num fôlego só'.

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Identifique o adjetivo: 'Fôlego financeiro'.

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Identifique o substantivo: 'Alento'.

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Transcreva: 'O fôlego'.

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Transcreva: 'Perdi o fôlego'.

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Transcreva: 'Tome fôlego'.

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Transcreva: 'Ganhando fôlego'.

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Transcreva: 'Fôlego moral'.

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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