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A2 verb 14분 분량

tosser

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설명 tosser in your Level:

At the A1 level, the focus is on the most basic use of 'tosser'. You will learn it as a simple action: 'Eu tosso' (I cough). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex tenses. You should recognize the word in the context of being sick. If you go to a doctor in a Portuguese-speaking country, you might need to say 'Eu tenho tosse' (I have a cough) or 'Eu estou a tosser' (I am coughing). You will see this word in very simple health brochures or hear it when someone is explaining why they can't come to a meeting. The main goal for an A1 learner is to link the sound of the word to the physical act of coughing and to remember the 'eu tusso' irregularity. You should also learn the basic etiquette phrase 'Desculpe' (Sorry) after you cough. Most A1 materials will group 'tosser' with other body-related verbs like 'comer' (to eat) or 'dormir' (to sleep), but specifically within the 'saúde' (health) unit. You might also see it in simple commands like 'Não tosse!' (Don't cough!) in a classroom setting. The key is to recognize the verb's infinitive form and its most common present tense forms. By the end of A1, you should be able to tell someone that you are coughing and understand if someone else says they are coughing. It is a survival word for basic health communication. You might also notice that the word looks like an English word, but at A1, you just need to focus on its Portuguese meaning: the act of expelling air from your lungs. It is one of the first 500 words most learners encounter because health is a primary topic of conversation.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'tosser' in more varied contexts and tenses. You are expected to use the 'Pretérito Perfeito' to describe a past event: 'Ontem eu tossi muito' (Yesterday I coughed a lot). You will also start using the 'Pretérito Imperfeito' to describe a continuous state: 'Eu tossia todas as noites' (I used to cough every night). This allows you to give more detail about a medical condition. At A2, you should also be able to use the verb with basic adverbs like 'muito' (a lot), 'pouco' (a little), or 'sempre' (always). You will learn to use the verb with prepositions to explain causes, such as 'tosser por causa do frio' (to cough because of the cold). In terms of social interaction, you might use 'tosser' to explain why you need a glass of water or a cough drop. You will also encounter the noun 'tosse' more frequently and should be able to distinguish between 'Eu tusso' (I cough) and 'A minha tosse' (My cough). A2 learners should also be familiar with the imperative form used by doctors: 'Tossa, por favor'. This level also introduces the 'Gerúndio' (tossindo) in Brazil or 'a + infinitivo' (a tosser) in Portugal to describe an action happening right now. You might also start to see the word in simple stories or news snippets about the flu season. The focus is on expanding the grammatical structures around the verb while keeping the meaning literal. You are building the ability to have a short conversation about your health, where 'tosser' is a key symptom to describe. You should also be aware of basic hygiene vocabulary related to coughing, like 'lenço' (tissue) and 'mão' (hand).

At the B1 level, you move into more complex sentence structures and hypothetical situations. You can use 'tosser' in the 'Subjuntivo' (subjunctive) to express wishes or possibilities: 'Espero que ele não tosse durante o filme' (I hope he doesn't cough during the movie). You will also use conditional sentences: 'Se eu tossir mais, vou ao médico' (If I cough more, I will go to the doctor). B1 learners should be able to describe the type of cough using more specific adjectives like 'seca' (dry) or 'produtiva' (productive). You will also understand the verb in more varied social contexts, such as a character in a book using a cough to hide a secret. At this level, you should be comfortable with the 'Pretérito Mais-que-Perfeito' and other compound tenses: 'Eu tinha tossido' (I had coughed). You will also start to encounter related verbs like 'pigarrear' (to clear the throat) and 'espirrar' (to sneeze) and know when to use each one. B1 is where you start to understand the social nuances of the word—how a cough can be an interruption or a signal. You can also handle more complex medical instructions, such as 'Tossa três vezes e depois respire fundo' (Cough three times and then breathe deeply). Your vocabulary expands to include 'xarope para a tosse' (cough syrup) and 'pastilhas' (lozenges). You might also see 'tosser' used in metaphors for old machines or engines. The focus at B1 is on fluency and the ability to integrate 'tosser' into longer, more natural narratives about health, daily life, and social interactions. You are no longer just reporting a symptom; you are describing an experience.

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At the B2 level, you have a high degree of control over the verb 'tosser' and its various forms. You can use it in complex passive constructions or in formal writing. You will understand the subtle difference between 'tosser' and 'tossicar' (to cough slightly/repeatedly). At this level, you can follow detailed medical discussions or news reports about respiratory health in depth. You will be familiar with idiomatic expressions or regional variations in how people describe coughing. For example, you might understand the colloquial 'estar com uma tosse de cão' (to have a dog's cough/a very bad cough). B2 learners can use 'tosser' to add texture to their writing, describing not just the act but the sound and the feeling associated with it. You will also be able to discuss the social implications of coughing in public, perhaps in a debate about public health or etiquette. You can use the verb in all subjunctive tenses with ease: 'Se ele tivesse tossido, eu teria percebido' (If he had coughed, I would have noticed). Your understanding of the word is now multi-dimensional—you see it as a biological necessity, a social cue, and a literary tool. You might also encounter the word in more technical contexts, such as describing the 'reflexo de tosser' (cough reflex) in a biology text. The focus is on precision and the ability to use 'tosser' in any register, from a casual chat with a friend to a formal consultation with a specialist. You are also aware of the historical context of certain respiratory illnesses in Lusophone literature and how 'tosser' was used to characterize certain social classes or conditions.

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At the C1 level, you use 'tosser' with the nuance and precision of a native speaker. you understand the most subtle metaphorical uses of the verb. In literature, you can analyze how a character's cough is used as a motif for their internal state or social position. You are familiar with the most obscure synonyms and related medical terms. You can use 'tosser' in highly formal or academic contexts, such as a paper on public health or a linguistic study of phonetic shifts in Portuguese verbs. You understand the evolution of the word from its Latin roots and how it relates to similar words in other Romance languages. At C1, you can also appreciate and use wordplay involving 'tosser'. You are fully aware of the 'false friend' aspect with English and can perhaps even use that knowledge to explain the word to others. You can describe the 'mecânica da tosse' (mechanics of the cough) in detail. In social settings, you can use a well-timed 'tosse' or the verb to describe a very subtle social interaction: 'Ele tossiu um comentário sarcástico' (He coughed out a sarcastic comment). Your command of the subjunctive and all complex tenses is flawless when using this verb. You can also navigate the different regional accents and how the pronunciation of 'tosser' might change from Porto to Luanda to Rio de Janeiro. The focus at C1 is on absolute mastery and the ability to use the word as a tool for sophisticated expression, whether in speech or in writing. You no longer think about the conjugation; it is instinctive.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'tosser' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can use the verb in the most creative and avant-garde literary ways. You are aware of the most archaic forms of the verb and how it has appeared in Portuguese poetry over the centuries. You can participate in high-level medical or scientific discussions where the verb 'tosser' is used in the context of advanced respiratory pathophysiology. You understand the nuances of how 'tosser' might be used in legal or forensic contexts (e.g., describing a witness's behavior). At this level, you can also perform 'tosser' in various dramatic contexts if you were an actor, understanding the different 'types' of coughs required for different characters. You have a deep understanding of the cultural history of the word, including its role in the 'tuberculose' (tuberculosis) era of the early 20th century and how that shaped Portuguese social history and literature (e.g., in the works of Fernando Pessoa or Machado de Assis). You can use the verb to create complex puns or metaphors that only a native would understand. Your knowledge of the word is not just linguistic but also cultural, historical, and scientific. You can effortlessly switch between the most colloquial slang involving coughs and the most elevated academic discourse. The word 'tosser' is just one small part of a vast, perfectly integrated linguistic system that you navigate with complete ease and creativity. You are a master of the language's rhythm, and the verb 'tosser' fits perfectly into that rhythm in every possible context.

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tosser 30초 만에

Tosser is the Portuguese verb for 'to cough', used in medical and social contexts to describe the sudden expulsion of air.
It is a regular -er verb with one main irregularity: 'eu tusso' in the present tense. All other forms follow standard patterns.
Commonly heard in pharmacies and hospitals, it is often paired with the noun 'tosse' (a cough) and adjectives like 'seca' (dry).
It is a 'false friend' to English speakers because it looks like a British insult but is completely neutral in Portuguese.

The Portuguese verb tosser is a fundamental part of the vocabulary related to health, biology, and social interaction. At its most basic level, it describes the physiological act of coughing—the sudden, often involuntary, expulsion of air from the lungs. However, its usage extends beyond the doctor's office. In Portuguese culture, like many others, tosser can be a social signal, a symptom of an underlying condition, or even a metaphorical tool used in literature and daily speech. When you navigate the streets of Lisbon or São Paulo, you will encounter this word in pharmacies, hospitals, and during the flu season. Understanding the nuances of tosser requires looking at its conjugation, its triggers, and the etiquette surrounding the act.

Medical Context: Used to describe a symptom of respiratory issues such as the common cold (gripe), bronchitis, or allergies. It is often paired with adjectives like 'seca' (dry) or 'com expetoração' (productive/with phlegm).

O paciente começou a tosser assim que entrou no consultório frio.

Socially, tosser is often associated with the 'pigarro' (clearing the throat). While pigarrear is the specific term for clearing one's throat, people often use tosser to describe the act of getting someone's attention or expressing awkwardness in a conversation. If a room goes silent and someone lets out a small 'tosse' (the noun form), it might indicate they are about to speak or that they find the situation uncomfortable. The verb is regular in most forms but has a slight irregularity in the first person singular of the present tense ('eu tusso'), which is a common stumbling block for learners. This change from 'o' to 'u' is a phonetic shift common in some Portuguese -er verbs.

Environmental Triggers: People might tosser due to smoke (fumo), dust (poeira), or strong perfumes. In these cases, the verb is used to explain an immediate reaction to an irritant.

Não consigo parar de tosser por causa da poluição na cidade.

In literature, tosser can be used to set a mood. A character who 'tosse' frequently might be portrayed as frail, elderly, or suffering from a chronic illness, a common trope in 19th-century Portuguese and Brazilian realism. In everyday modern life, you'll hear it most in the imperative form when a doctor says 'Tossa, por favor' (Cough, please) during a physical examination of the lungs. It is a vital word for anyone living in a Lusophone country, especially when dealing with the healthcare system or simply explaining why you are feeling unwell at work or school.

Figurative Usage: While less common than in English, 'tosser' can occasionally refer to a machine or engine failing or making a coughing sound before stopping, though 'falhar' is more frequent for mechanics.

Ele tentou disfarçar o riso fingindo tosser.

Finally, it is important to distinguish the Portuguese verb from the English slang 'tosser'. For an English speaker, the word looks identical to a British insult. However, in Portuguese, it is a completely neutral medical and biological term. There is no vulgarity associated with the Portuguese 'tosser'. It is simply the act of coughing. When teaching or learning this word, this 'false friend' (or rather, homograph) often provides a memorable hook for students, though the meaning is entirely unrelated. By mastering this verb, you gain the ability to describe your health status and understand common physical reactions in others.

Using tosser correctly involves understanding its conjugation as a second-conjugation verb (-er) and knowing which adverbs and prepositions frequently accompany it. Because coughing is often an ongoing action or a sudden event, you will frequently see it in the 'Pretérito Imperfeito' (past continuous/habitual) or the 'Gerúndio' (present continuous). For example, 'Eu estava a tosser' (PT-PT) or 'Eu estava tossindo' (PT-BR) means 'I was coughing'. This highlights the duration of the physical discomfort.

Common Adverbs: 'Muito' (a lot), 'fortemente' (strongly), 'discretamente' (discreetly), 'continuamente' (continuously). These modify the intensity and manner of the cough.

A criança começou a tosser muito durante a noite.

When describing the cause of the cough, we use the preposition 'por causa de' (because of) or 'devido a' (due to). For instance, 'Tosser por causa do pó' (Coughing because of the dust). In a medical setting, the doctor might ask you to cough in a specific way to check your breathing. Here, the imperative 'tossa' (formal) or 'tosse' (informal) is crucial. 'Tossa com força' means 'Cough hard'. This is common during lung auscultation.

Reflexive Confusion: Unlike 'engasgar-se' (to choke), 'tosser' is not reflexive. You don't 'se tosser' in standard Portuguese. It is an intransitive verb, though it can take a cognate object in literary styles (tosser uma tosse seca).

Se você continuar a tosser assim, precisará de um xarope.

In the future tense, 'tosser' follows regular patterns: 'Eu tossirei', 'Tu tossirás', etc. However, in spoken Portuguese, the compound future is much more common: 'Eu vou tosser'. If you are trying to describe a persistent cough that hasn't stopped, you might use the 'Pretérito Perfeito Composto': 'Tenho tossido muito ultimamente' (I have been coughing a lot lately). This construction is essential for reporting symptoms to a healthcare professional.

Sempre que sinto o cheiro de fumaça, começo a tosser.

Another important aspect is the use of 'tosser' in the infinitive after modal verbs like 'poder' (can/may) or 'dever' (should). 'Você não deve tosser sem cobrir a boca' (You shouldn't cough without covering your mouth) is a standard piece of advice regarding hygiene and etiquette. In Brazil, you might hear 'tossindo' more frequently in progressives, whereas in Portugal, the 'a + infinitive' structure ('a tosser') is the standard way to express an ongoing cough.

Prepositional Phrases: 'Tosser para' (to cough towards/into). Example: 'Tossir para o lenço' (To cough into the tissue). This is vital for teaching children proper manners.

Ele parou de falar para tosser um pouco.

By practicing these various structures, you will be able to describe everything from a minor tickle in the throat to a severe medical condition. The flexibility of tosser in different tenses and with different modifiers makes it a versatile tool for any speaker. Whether you are describing a character in a story who 'tossia' (used to cough) every winter or explaining to a pharmacist that you 'tussiu' (coughed) all night, the verb remains the central pillar of respiratory description.

In the daily life of a Portuguese speaker, tosser is heard in a variety of environments, ranging from the most formal to the most intimate. The most obvious place is the 'Centro de Saúde' (Health Center) or 'Hospital'. Here, the word is part of the professional lexicon. Nurses will ask if you have been coughing, and doctors will use the verb to diagnose illnesses. In these settings, the language is precise, and the verb is often linked to clinical terms like 'tosse convulsa' (whooping cough).

The Pharmacy (Farmácia): One of the most common places to use this word. You might say: 'Estou a tosser muito, o que me recomenda?' (I'm coughing a lot, what do you recommend?).

Na farmácia, ouvi um homem a pedir algo para parar de tosser.

Public transportation is another place where tosser becomes a focal point of social behavior. On a crowded 'autocarro' (bus) or 'metro', the sound of someone coughing often triggers a collective reaction. People might look for the source of the 'tosse' or shift their positions. In recent years, due to global health awareness, the act of tosser in public has become even more scrutinized, making the word a frequent topic in news reports and public service announcements regarding health protocols.

Schools and Daycares: Teachers and parents constantly monitor children for signs of illness. 'Ele começou a tosser na aula' (He started coughing in class) is a common phrase used in parent-teacher communications.

O professor pediu ao aluno para sair se não parasse de tosser.

In cinema and television, tosser is frequently used as a dramatic device. A character might cough into a white handkerchief and see blood—a classic (if clichéd) way to signal a terminal illness in 'telenovelas'. Less dramatically, in comedies, a character might 'tosser' to cover up a secret or to signal to another character that they are making a mistake. These social uses of the verb are just as common as the medical ones.

Workplace Etiquette: In an office, someone might say, 'Desculpe, tive de tosser' (Sorry, I had to cough) after an interruption during a meeting. It is a way of acknowledging a minor disruption.

Durante o concerto, ninguém se atreveu a tosser.

You will also hear the word in the context of weather and pollution. In cities like São Paulo, the 'poluição' often makes people tosser. News reports might warn: 'O ar seco fará muitas pessoas tosserem hoje' (The dry air will make many people cough today). This links the biological act to the environment, making it a frequent topic of small talk. 'Está um frio de tosser' (It's a coughing cold) is a colloquial way to describe very harsh, dry winter weather that irritates the throat.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with the verb tosser is purely phonetic and psychological. Because the word is a vulgar insult in British English, students often feel hesitant to use it or pronounce it with a sense of irony. However, in Portuguese, it is a perfectly standard, non-offensive word. The first step to mastery is decoupling the English meaning from the Portuguese sound. Another common error involves the conjugation of the first person singular in the present tense.

The 'o' to 'u' Shift: Many learners say 'Eu tosso' (incorrect) instead of 'Eu tusso' (correct). This is an irregular stem change that occurs only in the 'eu' form of the present indicative.

Errado: Eu tosso quando estou doente. Correto: Eu tusso quando estou doente.

Another mistake is confusing the verb tosser with the noun tosse. Learners might say 'Eu tenho tosser' (I have to cough - verb) when they mean 'Eu tenho tosse' (I have a cough - noun). While 'I have to cough' is grammatically possible if you feel the urge, it is more common to describe the state of having a cough using the noun. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse tosser with tocar (to touch/play) because of the similar 'to-' start, leading to confusing sentences like 'Ele toca muito' instead of 'Ele tosse muito'.

Preposition Errors: Learners often forget to use 'de' when followed by another verb. For example, 'Parar de tosser' is correct, but many omit the 'de' and say 'Parar tosser'.

Não confunda: Tosser (to cough) vs. Torcer (to twist/cheer for).

The confusion between tosser and torcer is particularly common. Torcer (to twist or to cheer for a team) sounds somewhat similar, especially to a non-native ear. Saying 'Eu tusso pelo Benfica' would mean 'I cough for Benfica', which makes no sense, whereas 'Eu torço pelo Benfica' means 'I cheer for Benfica'. Paying attention to the 'ss' vs 'ç' sound is vital. The 'ss' in tosser is a sharp 's' sound, while the 'ç' in torcer is also an 's' sound, but the 'r' before it changes the syllable structure significantly.

Misuse of Reflexive Pronouns: Avoid saying 'Eu me tusso'. Unlike many bodily functions in Portuguese which are reflexive (like 'sentar-se' or 'deitar-se'), tosser is a simple action you do, not something you do to yourself.

Erro comum: 'Ontem eu tussiu'. Correto: 'Ontem eu tossi'.

Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with the 'Pretérito Imperfeito'. Because coughing is often a repeated action in the past, 'tossia' (I used to cough/was coughing) is often more appropriate than 'tossi' (I coughed once). Choosing the wrong past tense can make a story about being sick sound like a single, isolated event rather than a period of illness. Mastering these distinctions will help you sound much more natural and precise when discussing health in Portuguese.

While tosser is the primary verb for coughing, the Portuguese language offers several alternatives and related terms that can add precision to your descriptions. Understanding these synonyms and near-synonyms is essential for moving beyond basic A2 level proficiency. For example, if you are not exactly coughing but rather clearing your throat, the word to use is pigarrear. This specifically refers to the small, intentional coughs one makes to clear mucus or to get attention.

Pigarrear vs. Tosser: Tosser: Involuntary or forceful expulsion from the lungs.
Pigarrear: Intentional clearing of the throat (the 'pigarro').

Ele precisou pigarrear antes de começar o discurso importante.

Another related verb is espirrar (to sneeze). While biologically different, they are often grouped together in conversations about health. A common phrase in Portuguese is 'tosses e espirros' (coughs and sneezes). If someone is choking on food or water, the verb is engasgar-se. It's important not to use tosser when someone is actually choking, as engasgar-se is a more urgent and reflexive action requiring immediate attention.

Engasgar-se vs. Tosser: Tosser: The act of expelling air.
Engasgar-se: To choke or have something stuck in the throat (reflexive).

A menina começou a tossicar para chamar a atenção da mãe.

In a more medical or formal context, you might encounter the term expectorar. While tosser is the action of the air coming out, expectorar is the act of coughing up phlegm (catarro). A doctor might ask, 'Você está conseguindo expectorar?' (Are you able to cough up phlegm?). This is a more clinical alternative. For a sudden gasp or a short, sharp intake of breath that might lead to a cough, ofegar (to pant or gasp) is used, often after physical exertion.

Expectorar vs. Tosser: Tosser: The general verb for coughing.
Expectorar: Specifically coughing up and spitting out mucus/phlegm.

Ele deu uma tosse seca para limpar a garganta.

Finally, consider the verb arquejar (to wheeze or gasp). While someone who is tossindo might also be arquejando, the latter specifically refers to the struggling sound of breathing. By knowing these alternatives, you can more accurately describe physical sensations and medical symptoms. Whether you use the diminutive tossicar for a polite interruption or the clinical expectorar in a hospital, you'll have the right word for every situation involving the respiratory system.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The Latin root 'tussis' is also the origin of the English word 'pertussis' (whooping cough).

발음 가이드

UK /tuˈseɾ/

US /toˈseχ/

The stress is on the last syllable: tos-SER.

라임이 맞는 단어

comer beber viver correr escrever trazer fazer perder

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing it like the English insult 'tosser' (with a short 'o' and heavy 'r').
Forgetting the stem change in 'tusso' and saying 'tosso'.
Mispronouncing the 'ss' as a 'z' sound (it should be a sharp 's').
Over-emphasizing the first syllable.
Pronouncing the final 'r' too hard in Brazilian Portuguese when it should be breathy.

난이도

독해 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

쓰기 2/5

Must remember the 'eu tusso' irregularity.

말하기 2/5

Need to avoid English-influenced pronunciation.

듣기 1/5

The sound is very distinct.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

corpo boca ar sentir doente

다음에 배울 것

espirrar garganta pulmão xarope febre

고급

expectoração bronquite auscultação tuberculose diafragma

알아야 할 문법

Stem-changing verbs (-er)

Tosser changes 'o' to 'u' in the 'eu' form: tusso.

Infinitive after prepositions

Parar de tosser, começar a tosser.

Personal Infinitive

Para eles tosserem menos, precisam de ar puro.

Future Subjunctive

Quando você tossir, beba água.

Imperfect Subjunctive

Se ele não tossisse tanto, dormiria melhor.

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수준별 예문

Eu tusso muito hoje.

I cough a lot today.

Notice the 'u' in 'tusso' for the 'eu' form.

Você tosse?

Do you cough?

Regular present tense for 'você'.

O bebê tosse à noite.

The baby coughs at night.

Third person singular present tense.

Não quero tosser aqui.

I don't want to cough here.

Infinitive after 'querer'.

Ele tosse por causa do frio.

He coughs because of the cold.

Using 'por causa de' to show cause.

Nós tossimos no inverno.

We cough in the winter.

First person plural present tense.

Ela para de tosser agora.

She stops coughing now.

Present tense of 'parar' followed by 'de' and infinitive.

Tossir é ruim.

Coughing is bad.

Infinitive used as a subject noun.

Ontem, eu tossi a noite toda.

Yesterday, I coughed all night.

Pretérito Perfeito (completed action in the past).

Eu estava a tosser quando o telefone tocou.

I was coughing when the phone rang.

PT-PT style continuous past (estar a + infinitive).

O médico pediu para eu tosser com força.

The doctor asked me to cough hard.

Personal infinitive after 'pedir para'.

Se você tossir, use um lenço.

If you cough, use a tissue.

Future subjunctive in a conditional 'if' clause.

Eles tossiam muito durante a aula.

They were coughing a lot during class.

Pretérito Imperfeito (ongoing action in the past).

Eu vou tosser se houver fumaça.

I will cough if there is smoke.

Compound future (ir + infinitive).

Ela parou de tossir depois do xarope.

She stopped coughing after the syrup.

Pretérito Perfeito of 'parar'.

Tussa para o seu cotovelo, por favor.

Cough into your elbow, please.

Formal imperative (você form).

É provável que ele tosse por causa da alergia.

It is likely that he coughs because of the allergy.

Present subjunctive after 'é provável que'.

Se eu não parasse de tosser, não conseguiria falar.

If I didn't stop coughing, I wouldn't be able to speak.

Imperfect subjunctive and conditional.

Ela tem tossido frequentemente ultimamente.

She has been coughing frequently lately.

Pretérito Perfeito Composto (action starting in past, continuing to present).

Ao tosser, ele sentiu uma dor no peito.

Upon coughing, he felt a pain in his chest.

Infinitive with 'ao' to express 'when/upon'.

O motor do carro começou a tosser antes de parar.

The car engine started to cough before stopping.

Metaphorical use for a machine.

Duvido que ela tosse de propósito.

I doubt she coughs on purpose.

Present subjunctive after 'duvidar que'.

Ele tossiu discretamente para chamar a atenção.

He coughed discreetly to get attention.

Adverbial modification of the verb.

Para de tosser e bebe um pouco de água.

Stop coughing and drink some water.

Informal imperative (tu form).

O paciente tossia sangue, o que preocupou os médicos.

The patient was coughing blood, which worried the doctors.

Tosser + direct object (rare but used in medical contexts).

Embora estivesse a tosser, ele foi trabalhar.

Although he was coughing, he went to work.

Concessive clause with 'embora' + subjunctive.

Caso você tussa durante a gravação, teremos de repetir.

In case you cough during the recording, we will have to repeat.

Subjunctive after 'caso'.

O fumo intenso fazia toda a gente tosser.

The intense smoke made everyone cough.

Causative construction (fazer + infinitive).

Ele não parava de tosser, por mais que bebesse água.

He didn't stop coughing, no matter how much water he drank.

Concessive expression 'por mais que'.

A tosse seca fazia-o tosser até ficar sem fôlego.

The dry cough made him cough until he was out of breath.

Infinitive used to show result.

Sempre que ele mentia, começava a tosser nervosamente.

Whenever he lied, he would start coughing nervously.

Adverbial clause of time.

Tossir em público tornou-se um tabu social.

Coughing in public has become a social taboo.

Infinitive as a noun/subject.

A personagem tossia uma tosse cavernosa que ecoava pela sala.

The character coughed a hollow cough that echoed through the room.

Literary use of cognate object (tosser uma tosse).

Oxalá ele não tussa durante a minha apresentação.

I hope/God grant he doesn't cough during my presentation.

Use of 'oxalá' with present subjunctive.

O motor tossiu uma última vez antes de se calar para sempre.

The engine coughed one last time before falling silent forever.

Personification of the machine.

Ele tossiu as palavras, com dificuldade em respirar.

He coughed out the words, struggling to breathe.

Metaphorical use of 'tosser' as a way of speaking.

Não houve quem não tossisse com aquele pó todo no ar.

There wasn't anyone who didn't cough with all that dust in the air.

Double negative with imperfect subjunctive.

A sua necessidade de tosser era quase incontrolável.

His need to cough was almost uncontrollable.

Infinitive as a complement to a noun.

Tossir-lhe-ei na cara se ele não se afastar.

I will cough in his face if he doesn't move away.

Future tense with mesoclisis (formal PT-PT style).

O silêncio foi quebrado por um tosser tímido vindo do fundo.

The silence was broken by a shy coughing coming from the back.

Infinitive used as a gerund-like noun.

A pneumonia fê-lo tosser a alma, deixando-o exausto.

The pneumonia made him cough his soul out, leaving him exhausted.

Idiomatic/hyperbolic use 'tosser a alma'.

Pudesse eu parar de tosser, e estaria em paz.

If only I could stop coughing, I would be at peace.

Inverted imperfect subjunctive for wishes.

O texto descreve o ato de tosser como uma purgação rítmica.

The text describes the act of coughing as a rhythmic purgation.

Academic/literary analysis of the verb.

Ele tossiu um 'sim' quase inaudível por entre os espasmos.

He coughed out an almost inaudible 'yes' amidst the spasms.

Complex narrative structure.

A orquestra parou quando o maestro começou a tosser violentamente.

The orchestra stopped when the conductor started coughing violently.

Temporal clause with 'quando'.

Não se deve tosser sobre a ferida aberta.

One must not cough over the open wound.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

A chaminé tossia fumo negro sobre a aldeia outrora límpida.

The chimney coughed black smoke over the once-clear village.

Poetic personification.

Tossir-se-ia se tal fosse necessário para disfarçar o ruído.

One would cough if such were necessary to disguise the noise.

Conditional with impersonal 'se' and mesoclisis.

자주 쓰는 조합

tosser muito

tosser sangue

parar de tosser

tosser discretamente

tosser com força

começar a tosser

tosser para o lenço

tosser sem parar

tosser seco

vontade de tosser

자주 쓰는 구문

Está um frio de tosser.

— It's so cold it makes you cough. Used to describe very harsh winter weather.

Não saias de casa, está um frio de tosser lá fora.

Tossir para o cotovelo.

— To cough into one's elbow. A standard hygiene recommendation.

As crianças aprendem na escola a tossir para o cotovelo.

Não pares de tosser.

— Don't stop coughing. Usually said ironically or in a medical context.

Se não parares de tosser, vais acordar toda a gente.

Tosser por tudo e por nada.

— To cough for no reason or at the slightest provocation.

Ele é muito sensível e tosse por tudo e por nada.

Dar uma tosse de aviso.

— To give a warning cough to alert someone of your presence.

Ele deu uma tosse de aviso antes de entrar na sala.

Tosser até ficar roxo.

— To cough until you turn purple. Describes an extremely violent coughing fit.

A criança tossiu até ficar roxa de tanto esforço.

Xarope para parar de tosser.

— Syrup to stop coughing. A very common pharmacy request.

Preciso de um xarope para parar de tosser, por favor.

Tosser com expetoração.

— To have a productive cough. Used to describe a cough with mucus.

É melhor tosser com expetoração do que ter uma tosse seca.

Sempre a tosser.

— Always coughing. Used to describe someone who is persistently ill.

Aquele rapaz está sempre a tosser, devia ir ao médico.

Tosser no meio da frase.

— To cough in the middle of a sentence. Describes an interruption.

Ele teve de tosser no meio da frase e perdeu o raciocínio.

자주 혼동되는 단어

tosser vs torcer

Means to twist or cheer. 'Eu torço' vs 'Eu tusso'.

tosser vs tocar

Means to touch or play an instrument. Similar 'to-' start.

tosser vs tecer

Means to weave. Similar ending.

관용어 및 표현

"Tosse de cão"

— A very loud, barking cough, similar to a dog's bark. Often associated with croup.

O menino está com uma tosse de cão terrível.

informal

"Tosser a alma"

— To cough very violently, as if your soul is coming out. An exaggeration for a bad fit.

Tive uma gripe que me fez tosser a alma.

colloquial

"Não tossir nem mugir"

— To not make a sound; to be completely silent or submissive.

Perante o chefe, ele não tossiu nem mugiu.

informal/idiomatic

"Tosser grosso"

— To act tough or talk in a deep, authoritative voice, sometimes used metaphorically for showing power.

Ele gosta de tosser grosso nas reuniões.

slang/regional

"Engolir a tosse"

— To try to suppress a cough, usually in a quiet place like a theater.

Tentei engolir a tosse durante o concerto inteiro.

neutral

"Tosse de tísico"

— An old-fashioned term for a dry, persistent cough associated with tuberculosis.

Aquela tosse de tísico dele não me agrada nada.

archaic/literary

"Tosser para o lado"

— To ignore something or pretend it didn't happen (similar to 'turning a blind eye').

Quando viu a injustiça, ele simplesmente tossiu para o lado.

informal

"Dar uma tosse seca"

— To give a short, dry cough often used to express skepticism or irony.

Ela deu uma tosse seca quando ele disse que ia pagar.

neutral

"Tosser dinheiro"

— To be forced to pay up or give back money (similar to 'coughing up' in English).

O tribunal fê-lo tosser o dinheiro que tinha roubado.

informal

"Estar com a tosse"

— To be sick with a cough, but often used as a general excuse for being unwell.

Não vou à festa porque estou com a tosse.

informal

혼동하기 쉬운

tosser vs tosse

It is both the noun and a verb form.

'A tosse' is the cough (noun), 'ele tosse' is he coughs (verb). Use the article to distinguish.

A tosse dele é forte. Ele tosse muito.

tosser vs espirrar

Both are respiratory actions.

Tosser is from the lungs/throat; espirrar is from the nose.

Eu tusso pela boca e espirro pelo nariz.

tosser vs engasgar

Both involve the throat.

Engasgar is choking on something; tosser is the act of coughing.

Ele engasgou-se com a carne e começou a tosser.

tosser vs pigarrear

Both are types of coughing.

Pigarrear is a light, intentional clearing of the throat.

Ele pigarreou para limpar o pigarro, não tossiu realmente.

tosser vs tossicar

Diminutive of tosser.

Tossicar is to cough lightly or repeatedly; tosser is the general term.

Ela estava apenas a tossicar, não era uma tosse séria.

문장 패턴

Eu [verb] muito.

Eu tusso muito.

Ontem eu [past verb].

Ontem eu tossi.

Se eu [subjunctive], eu [conditional].

Se eu tossisse, eu tomaria xarope.

Embora [subjunctive], [main clause].

Embora ele tossisse, continuou a cantar.

[Infinitive] é [adjective].

Tosser em público é constrangedor.

[Mesoclisis future].

Tosser-lhe-ei se me irritar.

Para de [infinitive]!

Para de tosser!

Tenho [past participle] muito.

Tenho tossido muito.

어휘 가족

명사

tosse (cough)

tossidela (a single small cough)

tossidura (the act of coughing - rare)

동사

tosser (to cough)

tossicar (to cough slightly)

retosser (to cough again - rare)

형용사

tossiginoso (that causes coughing)

tossiculoso (related to small coughs - rare)

사용법

frequency

High, especially in winter or medical contexts.

자주 하는 실수

Saying 'Eu tosso'. → Eu tusso.
This is a common stem-change error. The 'o' becomes 'u' in the first person present.
Using 'tosser' as a noun. → A tosse.
You cannot say 'Eu tenho um tosser'. You must say 'Eu tenho uma tosse'.
Confusing 'tosser' with 'torcer'. → Eu tusso (I cough) vs Eu torço (I cheer).
The 'r' in 'torcer' and the 'ç' make it a different word entirely.
Forgetting the 'de' after 'parar'. → Parar de tosser.
Verbs of stopping require the preposition 'de' before an infinitive.
Pronouncing it like the English insult. → Portuguese pronunciation /tuˈseɾ/.
The vowel sounds and stress are different. Don't let English phonetics lead you astray.

팁

Stem Change Alert

Always remember: 'Eu tusso'. The 'o' changes to 'u' only in this one present tense form. Don't apply it to 'tu tosses' or 'ele tosse'.

Avoid the English 'O'

The 'o' in 'tosser' is closed /o/, not the open /ɒ/ or /ɔː/ found in the English word. Think of the 'o' in 'go' but shorter.

The 'Desculpe' Rule

In Lusophone cultures, it is polite to say 'Desculpe' (Sorry) or 'Com licença' (Excuse me) immediately after coughing in someone's presence.

Describing Your Cough

Learn the difference between 'tosse seca' (dry) and 'tosse com expetoração' (productive). This is the first thing a pharmacist will ask.

Literary Flair

Use the diminutive 'tossicar' to describe a character who is nervous or trying to get attention discreetly.

Coughing in Public

Always cough into your elbow ('cotovelo'). It's the standard practice taught in schools across Portugal and Brazil.

False Friend Hook

Use the English slang 'tosser' as a memory hook, but remember the meaning is 100% different. No one will be offended if you say 'Eu tusso'.

Regional Continuous

If you are in Brazil, say 'Estou tossindo'. If you are in Portugal, say 'Estou a tosser'. Both are correct, but regional preference is strong.

Metaphorical Use

You can use 'tosser' for a failing machine. It makes your Portuguese sound more idiomatic and creative.

Group with Espirrar

Study 'tosser' and 'espirrar' (to sneeze) together. They often appear in the same sentences and share the same health-related context.

암기하기

기억법

Imagine a 'Tosser' (English slang) who is so annoying he makes you 'tosser' (Portuguese) with disgust. Or think of 'To-S-S-er' as 'To Stop Some' air in your throat.

시각적 연상

Imagine a red 'S' shape in a throat that vibrates when you cough. The two 's' in tosser represent the two lungs working together to push air out.

Word Web

tosse gripe xarope médico pulmão ar frio doença

챌린지

Try to conjugate 'tosser' in the present, past, and future without looking at a guide. Then, use it in a sentence about a dusty room.

어원

Derived from the Latin verb 'tussire', which also means to cough.

원래 의미: The act of coughing, consistently maintained from its Latin root.

Romance (Indo-European).

문화적 맥락

Be aware that in post-pandemic times, coughing in public can be sensitive; always follow with an apology.

The word is a homograph of a British English insult, which often causes amusement or confusion for English-speaking learners.

The character 'Artur' in Eça de Queirós' novels often exhibits symptoms like 'tosser'. Public health campaigns in Brazil during the 2020s focused heavily on the verb 'tossir'. Fado songs sometimes mention a 'tosse' to signify the harsh life of the poor in Lisbon.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

At the doctor

Dói-me ao tosser.
Tusso mais à noite.
Tossa um pouco, por favor.
Tenho tosse seca.

In a library

Desculpe por tosser.
Estou a tentar não tosser.
Vou sair para tosser.
Pode dar-me uma pastilha?

Describing weather

O pó faz-me tosser.
O frio dá-me vontade de tosser.
Está um ar de tosser.
A poluição faz toda a gente tosser.

Parenting

Não tussa para cima da comida.
Onde está o lenço para tosseres?
Ele tossiu a noite toda.
Bebe o xarope para não tossires.

Workplace

Estou com uma tosse terrível.
Vou ficar em casa a tosser.
Desculpem a interrupção, tive de tosser.
Alguém tem água? Comecei a tosser.

대화 시작하기

"Você tem tossido muito ultimamente por causa da mudança de tempo?"

"O que você costuma tomar quando começa a tosser sem parar?"

"Você acha falta de educação tosser em público sem máscara?"

"Qual é o melhor remédio caseiro para parar de tosser na sua opinião?"

"Você já teve que sair de um cinema porque não conseguia parar de tosser?"

일기 주제

Descreva uma vez que você ficou doente e não conseguia parar de tosser em um momento importante.

Como você se sente quando vê alguém tossindo sem cobrir a boca em um transporte público?

Escreva sobre os cheiros ou ambientes que fazem você tosser imediatamente.

Crie uma pequena história sobre um personagem que usa a tosse para esconder um segredo.

Descreva a sensação física de tosser e como o seu corpo reage a isso.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Mostly. The only irregularity is in the 'eu' form of the present tense, where it becomes 'tusso'. All other forms follow the regular -er verb pattern.

You can say 'Eu tenho tosse' (using the noun) or 'Eu estou a tosser' (using the verb, more common in Portugal).

The main difference is the continuous form. Brazil uses 'estou tossindo', while Portugal uses 'estou a tosser'. The pronunciation of the final 'r' also differs.

No, absolutely not. It is a neutral word meaning 'to cough'. The English insult is just a coincidence of spelling.

You use the noun: 'tosse seca'. If using the verb, you might say 'tosser sem expetoração'.

The past tense (Pretérito Perfeito) is 'eu tossi'. It is regular in the past.

Yes, it is common to say a car engine is 'a tosser' when it's struggling to start or making a coughing sound.

In a formal setting (like a doctor's office), say 'Tossa'. In an informal setting, say 'Tosse'.

It's an idiom for a very loud, barking cough, often used to describe a child's cough.

In Brazil, it is 'tossindo'. In Portugal, the gerund is rarely used; they prefer 'a tosser'.

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