Meaning
To state that you have an elevated body temperature.
Cultural Background
Brazilians are very expressive about health. It's common to hear 'Estou com um febrão' (a big fever) to emphasize how sick they feel, even if it's just a mild temperature. In Portugal, people might be slightly more reserved but will use 'Estou com febre' as a definitive reason to stay home. The use of 'estar a ter' is a notable regional grammar difference. In Angola, 'febre' is often discussed in the context of malaria, which is endemic. Saying 'Estou com febre' there often prompts an immediate suggestion to take a malaria test. Similar to Angola, health reporting is vital. The phrase is used in community health contexts to monitor outbreaks of tropical diseases.
The 'Com' Rule
In Portuguese, you are 'with' feelings and illnesses. Think of them as things you carry temporarily.
Calor vs. Febre
Never say 'Estou com febre' if you just want the air conditioning turned up!
Meaning
To state that you have an elevated body temperature.
The 'Com' Rule
In Portuguese, you are 'with' feelings and illnesses. Think of them as things you carry temporarily.
Calor vs. Febre
Never say 'Estou com febre' if you just want the air conditioning turned up!
Diminutives
Use 'febrezinha' to sound more like a native when talking about minor illnesses or children.
Health as Small Talk
Don't be surprised if people ask for details about your fever; it's a sign of caring.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'estar'.
Eu ______ com febre desde ontem.
We use 'estou' for the first person singular (Eu) in a temporary state.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I have a high fever'?
Choose the best option:
'Estou com' is the standard pattern, and 'alta' is the correct adjective for a high fever.
Complete the dialogue between a mother and her son.
Filho: Mãe, não me sinto bem. Mãe: Deixa eu ver... Você ______ com febre!
The mother is observing a current state, so 'está' (you are) is correct.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Phrase: 'Tô com uma febrezinha, mas vou trabalhar.'
The use of 'Tô' (contraction) and 'febrezinha' (diminutive) indicates an informal register.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Estar vs. Ser in Health
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu ______ com febre desde ontem.
We use 'estou' for the first person singular (Eu) in a temporary state.
Choose the best option:
'Estou com' is the standard pattern, and 'alta' is the correct adjective for a high fever.
Filho: Mãe, não me sinto bem. Mãe: Deixa eu ver... Você ______ com febre!
The mother is observing a current state, so 'está' (you are) is correct.
Phrase: 'Tô com uma febrezinha, mas vou trabalhar.'
The use of 'Tô' (contraction) and 'febrezinha' (diminutive) indicates an informal register.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is grammatically correct, but 'Estou com febre' is much more common in daily conversation.
Say 'Estou com febre alta'.
It is feminine: 'a febre'.
In Brazil, you can say 'Estou pegando fogo' (I'm catching fire).
Usually no. 'Estou com febre' is the standard. You only use 'uma' for emphasis or with adjectives.
Say 'Não estou mais com febre'.
It means you have a slight temperature, but not quite a full fever yet.
It's a very common informal contraction of 'estou'.
Yes, it can mean a 'craze' or 'trend', like 'A febre do Pokémon Go'.
You can say: 'Doutor, estou com febre há dois dias'.
Related Phrases
dor de cabeça
similarheadache
estar gripado
builds onto have the flu
ter calafrios
similarto have chills
tomar um remédio
builds onto take medicine
estar febril
specialized formto be feverish
