Meaning
To be in a state of good physical or mental well-being, to be healthy.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, the verb 'gozar' alone is a strong slang for orgasm. Therefore, the full phrase 'gozar de boa saúde' is one of the few safe ways to use this verb in public without causing giggles, but it's still very formal. In Portugal, 'gozar' is frequently used to mean 'to make fun of' (gozar com alguém). The health expression is common and doesn't carry the same sexual weight as in Brazil. In African Lusophone countries, the formal register often follows European Portuguese standards. 'Gozar de boa saúde' is common in official documents and news. In the 'Juridiquês' (legal jargon) of all Portuguese-speaking countries, this phrase is used to establish that a person was capable of making decisions.
The 'De' Rule
Never forget the 'de'. Without it, the sentence sounds incomplete or grammatically broken to a native ear.
Brazilian Slang
Be careful using 'gozar' alone in Brazil. Always follow it with 'de [something]' to keep it formal.
Meaning
To be in a state of good physical or mental well-being, to be healthy.
The 'De' Rule
Never forget the 'de'. Without it, the sentence sounds incomplete or grammatically broken to a native ear.
Brazilian Slang
Be careful using 'gozar' alone in Brazil. Always follow it with 'de [something]' to keep it formal.
Respecting Elders
Using this phrase when asking about an elderly person's health shows a high level of linguistic and cultural respect.
Test Yourself
Preencha a lacuna com a preposição correta.
Apesar dos 80 anos, o vovô ainda goza ___ boa saúde.
O verbo 'gozar' exige a preposição 'de' nesta expressão.
Qual frase é mais apropriada para um relatório médico formal?
Selecione a opção correta:
Esta é a forma culta e completa da expressão.
Complete o diálogo de forma formal.
Entrevistador: 'O senhor se sente apto para o trabalho físico?' Candidato: 'Sim, eu ________.'
Em uma entrevista, a expressão formal 'gozo de boa saúde' é a mais indicada.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs. Informal Health
Practice Bank
3 exercisesApesar dos 80 anos, o vovô ainda goza ___ boa saúde.
O verbo 'gozar' exige a preposição 'de' nesta expressão.
Selecione a opção correta:
Esta é a forma culta e completa da expressão.
Entrevistador: 'O senhor se sente apto para o trabalho físico?' Candidato: 'Sim, eu ________.'
Em uma entrevista, a expressão formal 'gozo de boa saúde' é a mais indicada.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsRarely. It is mostly found in formal writing, news, and professional contexts.
Yes, 'gozar de boa saúde mental' is a very common and correct formal expression.
'Ter' is neutral and simple. 'Gozar de' is formal and implies health is a beneficial state you are experiencing.
Usually 'de boa saúde'. Using 'da' (de + a) implies a specific health mentioned before, which is rare.
Only if you are being ironic or intentionally sounding like a 19th-century poet.
In casual conversation, yes. In formal collocations like this one, no. Context is everything.
In Brazil, it's a 'safer' formal alternative if you want to avoid the verb 'gozar' entirely.
You can say 'Não gozo de boa saúde' or 'Minha saúde está debilitada'.
Yes, this combines the formal verb with an informal idiom for emphasis.
Yes, very much so, and it feels slightly less 'stiff' there than in Brazil.
Related Phrases
Saúde de ferro
similarTo have extremely strong health
Esbanjar saúde
builds onTo radiate health
Saúde debilitada
contrastWeakened health
Gozar de prestígio
specialized formTo enjoy prestige
