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A2 verb 12 min read

deglutir

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips deglutir in 30 Seconds

Explanation deglutir in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'deglutir' is very advanced and not typically taught. Beginners should focus on 'comer' (to eat) and 'beber' (to drink). However, if you encounter 'deglutir', just remember it is a very fancy way to say 'swallow'. It's like the difference between saying 'I'm eating' and 'I am consuming nutrients'. You might see it on a bottle of medicine you bought at a pharmacy in Lisbon or São Paulo. At this stage, you don't need to use it, but recognizing it on a label is a great 'bonus' for your vocabulary. Focus on the fact that it ends in '-ir', just like 'abrir' (to open) or 'partir' (to leave). This will help you realize it is a verb. If a doctor points to your throat and says 'deglutir', they want you to swallow so they can see how your muscles move. Don't worry about conjugating it yet; just know the meaning in that specific context.

At the A2 level, you are starting to handle more specific situations, like visiting a doctor or reading basic instructions. 'Deglutir' is a useful word to know for medical contexts. While you will still use 'engolir' most of the time, knowing 'deglutir' helps you understand professional advice. For example, a pharmacist might tell you: 'Não mastigue, apenas degluta' (Don't chew, just swallow). You should be able to recognize the present tense forms like 'eu degluto' or 'ele deglute', even if you don't use them yourself. It's a regular verb, which makes it easier to learn. At this level, you should start distinguishing between the act of chewing (mastigar) and the act of swallowing (deglutir). If you have a 'dor de garganta' (sore throat), 'deglutir' is the word the doctor will use to ask if it hurts to swallow. Practicing this word in a medical role-play is a great way to move toward the B1 level.

By B1, you should be comfortable using 'deglutir' in formal or clinical discussions. You understand that 'engolir' is for everyday life and 'deglutir' is for technical precision. You can explain the difference to someone else. You should be able to use it in the past tense (perfeito and imperfeito) to describe a medical situation: 'Eu tive dificuldade em deglutir ontem' (I had difficulty swallowing yesterday). You also start to see the noun form, 'deglutição', in health-related articles. At this level, you should be able to read a 'bula' (medicine insert) and understand instructions like 'deglutir em jejum' (swallow on an empty stomach). You are also becoming aware of the metaphorical uses of the common synonym 'engolir' and why 'deglutir' is almost never used for metaphors. This distinction shows a maturing grasp of Portuguese register and tone.

At the B2 level, you use 'deglutir' with confidence in professional, academic, or scientific contexts. You understand the physiological nuances it implies. If you are in a healthcare field, this word is now a standard part of your professional lexicon. You can use it in complex sentence structures, such as the personal infinitive: 'Para deglutirmos corretamente, a epiglote deve fechar a traqueia'. You also recognize the word in literature where the author chooses a more clinical or cold tone. You can compare 'deglutir' with 'ingerir', 'tragar', and 'sorver', choosing the correct one based on the specific action and the desired level of formality. Your ability to switch between 'engolir' and 'deglutir' depending on your audience (a child vs. a doctor) is a hallmark of B2 proficiency. You are also less likely to make the common mistake of confusing it with 'degustar' (to savor).

At C1, your understanding of 'deglutir' is nuanced and deeply integrated into your high-level vocabulary. You recognize the Latin roots and how they connect to other scientific terms in Portuguese. You can use 'deglutir' metaphorically in a very specific, stylistic way in academic writing—for example, describing how a large corporation might 'deglutir' (absorb/swallow) a smaller competitor in a technical economic analysis, though 'absorver' might be more common, 'deglutir' adds a predatory, biological layer to the metaphor. You are perfectly comfortable with all tenses, including the more obscure ones like the 'pretérito mais-que-perfeito' or the subjunctive forms. You can discuss the mechanics of 'deglutição' in detail and understand complex medical diagnoses involving the word. Your use of the word is always contextually appropriate, never sounding 'too formal' because you know exactly when that level of formality is required.

At the C2 level, 'deglutir' is a word you use with the same precision as a native-speaking professional. You are aware of its historical evolution from Latin and its relationship to the English 'deglutition'. You can appreciate and use the word in the most sophisticated literary contexts, perhaps using it to create a sense of 'estrangulamento' or clinical detachment in a narrative. You understand the subtle differences in meaning when used in different Portuguese-speaking regions, although the word remains consistently formal across the Lusophone world. You can effortlessly navigate a scientific paper on dysphagia or a complex legal document regarding food safety where 'deglutir' might be used to define the exact point of consumption. For you, 'deglutir' is not just a synonym for 'engolir'; it is a specific tool used to denote a precise biological and mechanical event, and you use it with total mastery of register, syntax, and semantics.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

deglutir in 30 Seconds

Formal Portuguese verb for 'to swallow'.
Primarily used in medical, biological, or scientific contexts.
A regular '-ir' verb (eu degluto, ele deglute).
Less common than 'engolir' in daily conversation.

The Portuguese verb deglutir is a sophisticated and technical term that translates to the English verb 'to swallow'. While the average person in a casual setting will almost certainly use the common verb engolir, the word deglutir finds its home in medical, biological, and formal literary contexts. It specifically refers to the physiological process of moving food, liquid, or saliva from the mouth, through the pharynx, and into the esophagus. Understanding this word is essential for anyone navigating the healthcare system in a Portuguese-speaking country or reading scientific literature regarding human anatomy and nutrition.

Technical Precision: In a clinical environment, a doctor would ask a patient to 'deglutir' to observe the movement of the larynx and the efficiency of the epiglottis. It implies the mechanical act rather than just the general consumption of food.
Formality Level: Using this word at a dinner table with friends would likely result in confused looks or be perceived as a joke about being overly formal. It is reserved for professional or academic discourse.
Biological Process: The term encompasses the three distinct phases of swallowing: the oral phase (voluntary), the pharyngeal phase (involuntary), and the esophageal phase (involuntary).

O fonoaudiólogo solicitou que o paciente tentasse deglutir uma pequena quantidade de água para avaliar a disfagia.

Translation: The speech therapist requested that the patient try to swallow a small amount of water to evaluate the dysphagia.

The word is derived from the Latin 'deglutire', where 'de-' indicates downward movement and 'glutire' means to swallow. This etymological root is shared with the English word 'deglutition', which is the medical term for swallowing. Because of this shared Latin heritage, English speakers in the medical field or those with a strong vocabulary will find the word surprisingly intuitive once they recognize the 'glut' root, which is also seen in 'gluttony'.

É fundamental deglutir o comprimido inteiro, sem mastigar, para garantir a eficácia do medicamento.

Translation: It is fundamental to swallow the tablet whole, without chewing, to ensure the medicine's efficacy.

In literature, writers might use 'deglutir' to evoke a sense of clinical coldness or to describe a character who is very precise. It can also be used metaphorically, though less commonly than 'engolir', to describe the act of 'swallowing' one's pride or 'swallowing' information. However, in 99 percent of metaphorical cases, 'engolir' is the preferred choice because metaphors usually rely on common, everyday language to resonate with the reader.

A serpente levou horas para deglutir a presa por completo.

Translation: The snake took hours to swallow the prey completely.

Using deglutir correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical classification as a regular verb ending in '-ir'. While its conjugation follows standard patterns, its application is strictly governed by the context of the sentence. It is a transitive direct verb, meaning it typically requires a direct object—the thing being swallowed.

Direct Object Usage: You swallow *something*. For example: 'Ele deglutiu a pílula' (He swallowed the pill). The object 'a pílula' receives the action directly.
Infinitive with Auxiliary Verbs: Often used with 'conseguir' (to be able to) or 'dificultar' (to make difficult). Example: 'O paciente não consegue deglutir sólidos.'
Gerund for Ongoing Actions: In clinical observations: 'O paciente está deglutindo com facilidade agora' (The patient is swallowing with ease now).

Após a cirurgia na garganta, o ato de deglutir tornou-se doloroso para a criança.

Translation: After the throat surgery, the act of swallowing became painful for the child.

When discussing medical conditions like dysphagia, 'deglutir' is the standard term. You will see it in hospital charts and hear it in consultations. It describes the reflex and the muscle coordination. For instance, 'O reflexo de deglutir está preservado' (The swallowing reflex is preserved). This sentence demonstrates how the verb can function as an infinitive noun (the act of swallowing).

O biólogo explicou como certas aves precisam inclinar a cabeça para deglutir a água.

Translation: The biologist explained how certain birds need to tilt their heads to swallow water.

In formal pharmaceutical instructions, you will often find the passive voice or the impersonal 'se'. For example: 'Deve-se deglutir o medicamento com bastante água'. This translates to 'The medicine should be swallowed with plenty of water'. This impersonal construction is very common in Portuguese technical writing and adds to the formal tone of the word.

A anatomia humana é projetada para impedir que o alimento entre na traqueia ao deglutirmos.

Translation: Human anatomy is designed to prevent food from entering the trachea when we swallow.

Finally, consider the difference between 'deglutir' and 'ingerir'. While 'ingerir' means to ingest or take into the body (which could include breathing in smoke or absorbing through the stomach), 'deglutir' is specifically the mechanical throat action. You 'ingerir' a poison (it enters your system), but you 'deglutir' the liquid that contains the poison.

Não mastigue as cápsulas; limite-se a deglutir cada uma individualmente.

Translation: Do not chew the capsules; limit yourself to swallowing each one individually.

If you spend your time in cafes, parks, or traditional Portuguese family homes, you might never hear the word deglutir. It is not a word of the streets. However, in specific professional environments, it is ubiquitous. Knowing where to expect it will help you transition from basic conversational Portuguese to professional-level fluency.

Medical Clinics and Hospitals: This is the primary domain. Doctors, nurses, and speech therapists (fonoaudiólogos) use it. If you have a sore throat (dor de garganta), a doctor might ask: 'Dói ao deglutir?' (Does it hurt when swallowing?).
Science Documentaries: Narrators describing the feeding habits of animals in documentaries on channels like Discovery Channel or RTP1 often use 'deglutir' to sound authoritative and scientific.
Instructional Leaflets (Bulas): The 'bula de remédio' (medicine package insert) is the most common place for a layperson to read this word. It will specify if a medicine should be swallowed whole.

O documentário explicava como a jiboia consegue deglutir animais muito maiores que sua própria cabeça.

Translation: The documentary explained how the boa constrictor can swallow animals much larger than its own head.

In a veterinary context, you will hear this word when discussing pets that have swallowed foreign objects. A vet might say, 'O cão parece ter dificuldade em deglutir, o que sugere algo obstruindo o esôfago.' Here, the formality of the word matches the professional diagnostic setting. It provides a level of precision that 'engolir' lacks, focusing specifically on the mechanical failure of the throat muscles.

Ao ler a bula, percebi que não podia deglutir o comprimido com leite.

Translation: Upon reading the insert, I realized I could not swallow the tablet with milk.

Academic lectures in biology or nutrition departments will use 'deglutir' as the standard term. If you are a student in Brazil or Portugal studying health sciences, this word will be part of your daily vocabulary. It is often contrasted with 'mastigar' (chewing) and 'digerir' (digesting) as part of the digestive sequence. The word acts as a bridge between the mouth and the stomach.

Durante a aula de anatomia, o professor descreveu os músculos envolvidos no ato de deglutir.

Translation: During the anatomy class, the professor described the muscles involved in the act of swallowing.

Lastly, in very high-end literature or poetry, 'deglutir' might be used to describe the ocean 'swallowing' a ship or time 'swallowing' memories. This usage is rare and intended to create a specific, perhaps slightly grotesque or overly clinical, imagery. It forces the reader to think about the physical mechanism of the disappearance rather than just the fact that something is gone.

A escuridão parecia deglutir cada raio de luz que tentava escapar da floresta.

Translation: The darkness seemed to swallow every ray of light that tried to escape the forest.

Even for intermediate speakers, deglutir can be a tricky word because of its limited usage and formal nature. The most common errors are not just grammatical, but contextual. Because it is a 'false friend' to the casual ear, many learners use it when they should be using a simpler term, or they confuse it with other steps in the digestive process.

Overuse in Casual Speech: The biggest mistake is using 'deglutir' at a restaurant. Saying 'Eu vou deglutir meu bife' sounds like a robot or a biology textbook. Always use 'engolir' or 'comer' in social settings.
Confusion with 'Digerir': Learners often say 'deglutir' when they mean 'to digest'. Remember: 'deglutir' is the throat; 'digerir' is the stomach and intestines. You swallow in a second; you digest for hours.
Spelling and Pronunciation: Confusion with 'degustar' (to taste/savor). They look similar, but 'degustar' is about enjoying flavor, while 'deglutir' is about the physical act of swallowing.

Incorrect: O vinho era tão bom que eu queria deglutir cada gota lentamente.

Correction: Use 'degustar' (savor) or 'saborear' (taste) here. You don't swallow 'slowly' in a technical sense; you savor slowly.

Another error involves the preposition. While in English we 'swallow down', in Portuguese, 'deglutir' is usually used without a preposition for the object. You don't 'deglutir para baixo'. The verb itself implies the downward motion. Adding 'para baixo' is redundant and marks you as a non-native speaker who is translating literally from English phrasal verbs.

Incorrect: Ele deglutiu para baixo o remédio.

Correction: 'Ele deglutiu o remédio' is sufficient and correct.

Finally, watch out for the conjugation in the first person singular present. It is 'eu degluto'. Some learners erroneously try to change the stem because they think it is an irregular verb like 'dormir' (eu durmo). However, 'deglutir' maintains its 'e' in the stem. Staying regular is actually simpler, but learners often over-complicate it by assuming all formal verbs must be irregular.

Incorrect: Eu digluto com dificuldade quando estou doente.

Correction: 'Eu degluto' is the correct form.

In summary, treat 'deglutir' like a surgical tool: use it only when you need precision, mostly in medical or scientific contexts, and keep your regular '-ir' verb endings in mind. For everything else, the humble 'engolir' will serve you much better.

To truly master deglutir, you must understand its place within the family of verbs related to eating and processing food. Portuguese is rich in synonyms that vary based on intensity, formality, and the specific stage of consumption. Choosing the right one can change the entire tone of your sentence.

Engolir vs. Deglutir: Engolir: The everyday word for swallowing. Used for food, water, and metaphors (engolir o orgulho).
Deglutir: The medical/technical version. Focuses on the physiological mechanism.
Ingerir vs. Deglutir: Ingerir: To ingest. This is a broader term that means taking something into the body (could be by swallowing, but also refers to the general intake of calories or chemicals).
Deglutir: Specifically the act of the throat moving the substance down.
Tragar vs. Deglutir: Tragar: Often used for inhaling smoke (tragar o cigarro) or for swallowing something very quickly/greedily. It has a more aggressive connotation than the clinical 'deglutir'.

Enquanto o médico falava em deglutir, a criança só queria saber de engolir o sorvete logo.

Translation: While the doctor spoke about swallowing (clinical), the child only wanted to swallow (casual) the ice cream quickly.

Other alternatives include devorar (to devour), which implies speed and hunger, and saborear or degustar, which are the opposites of 'deglutir' in terms of focus—they focus on the mouth and tongue's experience rather than the throat's action. If you 'deglutir' a fine wine, you are wasting it; you should be 'degustando' it.

In a literary sense, you might encounter sorver. This means to sip or to suck in, often used for liquids. It implies a slow, deliberate action, whereas 'deglutir' is a single, definitive movement. For example, 'Ele sorveu o café' (He sipped/savored the coffee) vs. 'Ele deglutiu o remédio' (He swallowed the medicine).

O náufrago tragou a água como se fosse sua última refeição.

Translation: The shipwrecked man gulped the water as if it were his last meal.

Understanding these nuances allows you to describe human (and animal) actions with precision. If you are writing a report on a patient's recovery after a stroke, 'deglutir' is your only choice. If you are writing a story about a hungry giant, 'devorar' or 'tragar' fits better. If you are at a wine tasting in the Douro Valley, 'degustar' is the word of the day.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'glut' is also the source of the English word 'glutton', someone who swallows too much food!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /de.ɡlu.ˈtiɾ/

US /de.ɡlu.ˈtiɾ/

The stress is on the last syllable: de-glu-TIR.

Rhymes With

partir abrir sentir sorrir dormir mentir ferir subir

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'e' as a 'i' (diglutir) – common in some Brazilian accents but technically 'de-'.
Stress on the middle syllable (de-GLU-tir) – incorrect.
Confusing the 'u' sound with an 'o' (deglotir) – incorrect.
Softening the 't' too much in the final syllable.
Ignoring the final 'r' in casual speech (deglutí) – common in Brazil but the 'r' should be present in formal speech.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know English medical terms, but looks strange to a basic learner.

Writing 4/5

Spelling is regular, but knowing when to use it requires high register awareness.

Speaking 5/5

The 'r' at the end and the 'glu' cluster can be tricky for beginners to say naturally.

Listening 4/5

Can be missed in fast medical speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

comer beber garganta boca água

Learn Next

ingerir digerir mastigar faringe esôfago

Advanced

disfagia epiglote peristaltismo bolo alimentar

Grammar to Know

Regular -ir verb conjugation

Eu degluto, nós deglutimos.

Personal Infinitive usage

Para deglutirmos com segurança...

Impersonal 'se' with transitive verbs

Deve-se deglutir o remédio.

Direct object placement

Ele o deglutiu (He swallowed it).

Prepositional use with 'dificuldade'

Dificuldade em deglutir (not 'de').

Examples by Level

Eu vou deglutir o remédio.

I am going to swallow the medicine.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

Você consegue deglutir?

Can you swallow?

Question with 'conseguir' (can/be able to).

É difícil deglutir hoje.

It is difficult to swallow today.

Impersonal 'é' + adjective + infinitive.

Beba água para deglutir.

Drink water to swallow.

Imperative 'beba' + purpose 'para'.

Não mastigue, apenas degluta.

Don't chew, just swallow.

Negative imperative 'não mastigue'.

O bebê não sabe deglutir sólidos.

The baby doesn't know how to swallow solids.

Verb 'saber' followed by infinitive.

Eu degluto a água agora.

I swallow the water now.

Present tense first person singular.

Deglutir é importante.

Swallowing is important.

Infinitive used as a subject noun.

O paciente precisa deglutir com cuidado.

The patient needs to swallow with care.

Verb 'precisar' + 'de' + infinitive.

Dói muito ao deglutir a comida.

It hurts a lot when swallowing the food.

Contraction 'ao' + infinitive (when/upon).

O médico pediu para ele deglutir.

The doctor asked him to swallow.

Indirect request with 'pedir para'.

As serpentes podem deglutir ovos inteiros.

Snakes can swallow whole eggs.

Modal verb 'podem' (can) + infinitive.

Ela deglute o comprimido rapidamente.

She swallows the tablet quickly.

Adverb 'rapidamente' modifying the verb.

Nós deglutimos saliva o tempo todo.

We swallow saliva all the time.

Present tense 'nós' form.

Você já degluiu o remédio?

Have you already swallowed the medicine?

Pretérito Perfeito (Past simple).

É necessário deglutir para viver.

It is necessary to swallow to live.

Impersonal necessity construction.

O fonoaudiólogo avaliou a forma como ele deglutia.

The speech therapist evaluated the way he swallowed.

Imperfect tense 'deglutia' for habitual/ongoing past action.

Se você não deglutir, o exame não funciona.

If you don't swallow, the exam won't work.

Future Subjunctive 'deglutir' in a conditional clause.

A dificuldade em deglutir é um sintoma comum.

Difficulty in swallowing is a common symptom.

Noun 'dificuldade' + preposition 'em' + infinitive.

Eles deglutiram a notícia com amargura.

They swallowed the news with bitterness (metaphorical/formal).

Metaphorical use in a formal past tense.

Espero que ele degluta o xarope sem problemas.

I hope he swallows the syrup without problems.

Present Subjunctive 'degluta' after a verb of wishing.

O processo de deglutir envolve vários músculos.

The process of swallowing involves several muscles.

Infinitive used as part of a compound noun phrase.

Antes de deglutir, certifique-se de que mastigou bem.

Before swallowing, make sure you chewed well.

Preposition 'antes de' + infinitive.

O pássaro deglutiu a semente inteira.

The bird swallowed the seed whole.

Past tense with a direct object.

A disfagia impede o paciente de deglutir sólidos.

Dysphagia prevents the patient from swallowing solids.

Verb 'impedir' + object + 'de' + infinitive.

Ao deglutirmos, a glote se fecha automaticamente.

When we swallow, the glottis closes automatically.

Personal infinitive 'deglutirmos'.

É vital que o recém-nascido aprenda a deglutir.

It is vital that the newborn learns to swallow.

Subjunctive mood after 'é vital que'.

O comprimido foi deglutido com a ajuda de um gel.

The tablet was swallowed with the help of a gel.

Passive voice 'foi deglutido'.

Embora doesse, ele precisava deglutir a saliva.

Although it hurt, he needed to swallow his saliva.

Concessive clause 'embora' + imperfect subjunctive.

A capacidade de deglutir diminui com a idade.

The ability to swallow decreases with age.

Abstract noun 'capacidade' + 'de' + infinitive.

O estudo foca em como os répteis deglutem suas presas.

The study focuses on how reptiles swallow their prey.

Present tense in a scientific context.

Caso ele não consiga deglutir, use a sonda.

In case he cannot swallow, use the tube.

Conditional 'caso' + subjunctive.

A coordenação neuromuscular é essencial para deglutir.

Neuromuscular coordination is essential for swallowing.

Technical terminology in a formal sentence.

O autor utiliza 'deglutir' para enfatizar a frieza do ato.

The author uses 'swallow' to emphasize the coldness of the act.

Literary analysis context.

Tais substâncias são impossíveis de deglutir sem auxílio.

Such substances are impossible to swallow without aid.

Adjective 'impossível' + 'de' + infinitive.

A biologia marinha estuda como baleias deglutem o plâncton.

Marine biology studies how whales swallow plankton.

Scientific research context.

Se tivessem deglutido a pílula, estariam curados.

If they had swallowed the pill, they would be cured.

Past counterfactual conditional (Past Perfect Subjunctive).

A regulação nervosa da ação de deglutir é complexa.

The nervous regulation of the action of swallowing is complex.

Formal noun phrase construction.

O paciente queixou-se de uma sensação de não conseguir deglutir.

The patient complained of a sensation of not being able to swallow.

Verb 'queixar-se' + 'de' + noun phrase.

Deglutir o amargo cálice da derrota foi inevitável.

Swallowing the bitter cup of defeat was inevitable.

High-level literary metaphor.

A ontogênese da função de deglutir revela padrões evolutivos.

The ontogenesis of the swallowing function reveals evolutionary patterns.

Highly academic/scientific terminology.

A paralisia bulbar compromete severamente o ato de deglutir.

Bulbar palsy severely compromises the act of swallowing.

Specific medical diagnosis context.

O texto sugere que a sociedade tenta deglutir a cultura alheia.

The text suggests that society tries to swallow (assimilate) foreign culture.

Sociological metaphorical usage.

Não obstante a dor, o instinto forçava-o a deglutir.

Notwithstanding the pain, instinct forced him to swallow.

Formal connective 'não obstante'.

A biomecânica envolvida ao deglutir é objeto de estudo.

The biomechanics involved when swallowing is an object of study.

Technical subject 'biomecânica'.

A aspiração ocorre quando o indivíduo falha ao deglutir.

Aspiration occurs when the individual fails to swallow (properly).

Medical cause-and-effect description.

É imperativo que se analise a eficácia de deglutir tais doses.

It is imperative that the efficacy of swallowing such doses be analyzed.

Impersonal passive 'se' in a subjunctive clause.

A literatura barroca por vezes usa 'deglutir' como metáfora da morte.

Baroque literature sometimes uses 'swallow' as a metaphor for death.

Historical literary context.

Common Collocations

dificuldade em deglutir

conseguir deglutir

ato de deglutir

deglutir comprimidos

dor ao deglutir

reflexo de deglutir

deglutir saliva

deglutir por completo

músculos para deglutir

incapacidade de deglutir

Common Phrases

Dói ao deglutir?

— Does it hurt when you swallow? Standard medical question.

O médico perguntou: 'Dói ao deglutir?'

Dificuldade de deglutição

— Difficulty swallowing. The noun version of the problem.

O relatório aponta dificuldade de deglutição.

Deglutir sem mastigar

— To swallow without chewing. Common medication instruction.

Você deve deglutir a cápsula sem mastigar.

Favor deglutir a saliva

— Please swallow your saliva. Often said during dental or throat exams.

O dentista disse: 'Favor deglutir a saliva antes de continuarmos'.

Não consegue deglutir sólidos

— Cannot swallow solids. Used to describe diet restrictions.

Por enquanto, o paciente não consegue deglutir sólidos.

Reflexo de deglutição retardado

— Delayed swallowing reflex. A specific medical condition.

Ele tem um reflexo de deglutição retardado devido ao derrame.

Ajuda a deglutir

— Helps to swallow. Referring to water or lubricants.

Um pouco de água ajuda a deglutir a pílula.

Tente deglutir agora

— Try to swallow now. Instruction during a physical exam.

O médico tocou meu pescoço e disse: 'Tente deglutir agora'.

Deglutir em seco

— To swallow hard/dryly. Often used when someone is nervous (similar to 'engolir em seco').

Ele deglutiu em seco antes de confessar o erro.

Fase esofágica de deglutir

— The esophageal phase of swallowing. Technical biology term.

A fase esofágica de deglutir é totalmente involuntária.

Often Confused With

deglutir vs degustar

Degustar means to savor or taste; deglutir means to swallow. You degustar a wine but deglutir a pill.

deglutir vs digerir

Digerir is the long process in the stomach; deglutir is the quick act in the throat.

deglutir vs ingerir

Ingerir is the general act of taking into the body; deglutir is the specific mechanical act of swallowing.

Idioms & Expressions

"Deglutir em seco"

— To swallow hard, usually out of fear, nervousness, or shock. While 'engolir em seco' is much more common, this formal version exists in literature.

Ao ouvir a sentença, o réu deglutiu em seco.

formal

"Deglutir sapos"

— A very rare, hyper-formal variation of 'engolir sapos' (to put up with unpleasant things without complaining). Using 'deglutir' here makes it sound ironic or academic.

Naquela empresa, eu era obrigado a deglutir sapos diariamente.

ironic/formal

"Deglutir as palavras"

— To mumble or not speak clearly, as if swallowing the words before they come out.

O orador estava tão nervoso que parecia deglutir as palavras.

literary

"Deglutir o orgulho"

— A formal way to say 'swallow one's pride'.

Ele teve que deglutir o orgulho e pedir desculpas.

formal

"Deglutir de uma vez"

— To finish something unpleasant quickly.

Degluta esse trabalho de uma vez e vamos embora.

formal/metaphorical

"Ser deglutido pelo tempo"

— To be forgotten or erased by the passage of time.

Muitas tradições foram deglutidas pelo tempo.

literary

"Deglutir a seco"

— To accept a harsh truth without any 'sugar-coating'.

Ela teve que deglutir a seco a notícia da demissão.

formal

"Deglutir com os olhos"

— To look at something with extreme desire (usually 'comer com os olhos').

O colecionador deglutia o quadro com os olhos.

literary

"Deglutir o insulto"

— To tolerate an insult without reacting.

Ele preferiu deglutir o insulto a iniciar uma briga.

formal

"Deglutir a isca"

— A formal way of saying 'take the bait'.

O peixe — e o investidor — deglutiram a isca.

literary/ironic

Easily Confused

deglutir vs degustar

Similar prefix and sound.

Degustar is about flavor and pleasure; deglutir is about mechanics and swallowing.

Eu degusto o chocolate, mas degluto o remédio.

deglutir vs digerir

Both relate to eating.

Digerir happens in the stomach; deglutir happens in the throat.

É fácil deglutir, mas difícil digerir comida pesada.

deglutir vs engolir

They are synonyms.

Engolir is casual; deglutir is formal/medical.

O médico disse 'deglutir', mas eu digo 'engolir'.

deglutir vs tragar

Both involve the throat.

Tragar often implies speed or inhaling smoke; deglutir is clinical.

Ele tragou a fumaça, mas degluti o xarope.

deglutir vs absorver

Metaphorical overlap.

Absorver is to soak in; deglutir is to move down the throat.

O papel absorve a tinta; a garganta deglute a água.

Sentence Patterns

Eu não consigo deglutir [objeto].

Eu não consigo deglutir o comprimido.

É importante deglutir [objeto] com [líquido].

É importante deglutir a cápsula com água.

Ao deglutir, sinto [sensação].

Ao deglutir, sinto uma dor forte.

O paciente apresenta dificuldade em deglutir.

O paciente apresenta dificuldade em deglutir líquidos espessos.

O ato de deglutir exige [condição].

O ato de deglutir exige coordenação motora.

A falha ao deglutir pode levar a [consequência].

A falha ao deglutir pode levar a uma pneumonia aspirativa.

Deve-se deglutir a dose sem [ação].

Deve-se deglutir a dose sem diluir em água.

A biomecânica de deglutir é influenciada por [fator].

A biomecânica de deglutir é influenciada pela consistência do bolo.

Word Family

Nouns

deglutição (the act of swallowing)

deglutidor (one who swallows)

Verbs

deglutir

Adjectives

deglutível (swallowable)

deglutitório (relating to swallowing)

engolir

ingerir

esôfago

garganta

faringe

How to Use It

frequency

Low in daily speech; High in medical/pharmaceutical contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'deglutir' at dinner. → Use 'engolir' or 'comer'.
It sounds too clinical and weird for a social setting.
Saying 'diglutir' in formal writing. → Deglutir.
While some accents pronounce it with an 'i', the correct spelling uses an 'e'.
Confusing 'deglutir' with 'digerir'. → Use 'deglutir' for the throat action.
Digestion is a long process; swallowing is an instant action.
Adding 'para baixo' (swallow down). → Just 'deglutir'.
The 'de-' prefix already implies a downward motion. It's redundant.
Using 'deglutir' for tasting wine. → Degustar.
Degustar is about the flavor; deglutir is just the act of swallowing.

Tips

Context is King

Only use 'deglutir' in formal or medical settings. In 95% of situations, 'engolir' is the correct choice.

Regular Verb

Don't overthink the conjugation. It follows the standard -ir pattern perfectly.

Stress the End

Remember to put the emphasis on the last syllable: de-glu-TIR.

Doctor Talk

If a doctor asks you to 'deglutir', they just want you to swallow your saliva so they can check your throat.

Check the Label

Look for this word on the back of medicine boxes. It's almost always there in the instructions.

Latin Link

Connect it to 'deglutition' in English to remember the meaning instantly.

Scientific Tone

Use it in biology reports to sound more authoritative.

Identify the Root

If you hear 'glu' and 'tir' together in a medical context, it's almost certainly 'deglutir'.

Not Degustar

Be careful not to confuse it with 'degustar' (to taste). Swallowing a pill isn't a tasting experience!

Down the Tube

The prefix 'de-' means down. So, 'de-glutir' is moving things down the 'glute' (throat).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Glue' and 'Tier'. You need to 'Glue' the food to the back of your throat so it can drop down the 'Tier' (level) of your esophagus. De-GLU-tir.

Visual Association

Imagine a medical diagram of a throat with a bright green arrow pointing down, labeled 'DEGLUTIR'.

Word Web

esôfago faringe boca alimento saliva remédio músculo reflexo

Challenge

Try to use 'deglutir' in a sentence describing how a snake eats, then use 'engolir' to describe how you eat a sandwich. Notice the difference in feel.

Word Origin

From the Latin verb 'deglutire'. The prefix 'de-' indicates 'down' or 'away', and 'glutire' means 'to swallow'.

Original meaning: To swallow down.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that difficulty in 'deglutir' (dysphagia) is a serious medical condition often affecting the elderly or stroke victims.

English speakers often use 'swallow' for both formal and informal contexts. We don't use 'deglutition' in daily life, making 'deglutir' feel more foreign than it actually is.

Scientific journals like 'Revista de Sociedade Brasileira de Fonoaudiologia'. Medical textbooks on anatomy used in Coimbra or São Paulo. Formal pharmaceutical instructions on common Brazilian medicines like 'Dipirona'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical Consultation

Dói ao deglutir?
Tem dificuldade em deglutir?
Consigo deglutir bem.
Sinto algo ao deglutir.

Pharmacy / Medication

Deglutir inteiro.
Não mastigar ao deglutir.
Deglutir com água.
Pode deglutir com comida?

Biology Class

O processo de deglutir.
Músculos para deglutir.
Fases da deglutição.
Como as aves deglutem.

Literature

O mar deglutiu o navio.
Deglutiu o insulto.
Deglutiu em seco.
O tempo deglute tudo.

Veterinary

O cão não deglute.
Dificuldade em deglutir ossos.
O gato deglutiu um fio.
Avaliar o ato de deglutir.

Conversation Starters

"Você já teve alguma dificuldade para deglutir um comprimido muito grande?"

"Você sabia que o termo médico para engolir é deglutir?"

"O que você faz quando sente dor ao deglutir?"

"Você acha que os animais deglutem de forma diferente dos humanos?"

"Você já leu a palavra 'deglutir' em alguma bula de remédio?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma vez que você teve uma dor de garganta tão forte que era difícil deglutir até água.

Explique a diferença entre 'engolir' e 'deglutir' usando seus próprios exemplos formais e informais.

Escreva um pequeno parágrafo técnico sobre como um robô poderia simular o ato de deglutir.

Imagine que você é um médico. Escreva instruções para um paciente que não consegue deglutir sólidos.

Use a palavra 'deglutir' em uma metáfora poética sobre o pôr do sol sendo 'deglutido' pelo horizonte.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is not recommended. It would sound very strange and overly clinical. Use 'engolir' or simply 'comer'. Imagine someone saying 'I will now perform deglutition on this steak' in English—it’s that weird.

Yes, it is a regular -ir verb. You conjugate it just like 'abrir' or 'partir'. For example: eu degluto, você deglute, nós deglutimos.

The noun is 'deglutição'. It is used very frequently in medical reports, such as 'O paciente tem problemas de deglutição'.

The meaning and formality are the same in both. However, Brazilians might pronounce the first 'e' more like an 'i' (diglutir), while the Portuguese will keep it as a closed 'e'.

Use 'deglutir' in academic papers, medical contexts, or when writing instructions for medication. It provides a more professional tone.

No, for smoke you should use 'tragar' or 'inalar'. 'Deglutir' is only for things that go down the esophagus to the stomach.

As a transitive verb, it usually takes a direct object: 'deglutir a pílula'. However, when used with 'dificuldade', we say 'dificuldade em deglutir'.

Yes, but it's rare. 'Deglutir o orgulho' is a formal way to say 'swallow your pride'. 'Engolir' is much more common for metaphors.

It is common in the medical field but rare in daily conversation. You will definitely see it on medicine labels.

It sounds exactly like 'glue' in English. The 'u' is a clear, pure vowel sound.