This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun 12 min read

sarampo

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips sarampo in 30 Seconds

Explanation sarampo in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'sarampo' is a word for a disease. You might see it on a health form or hear it in a doctor's office. It is important to recognize that 'o sarampo' is a noun and that it refers to being sick with red spots. You don't need to know the complex biology, just that it is a 'doença' (disease). You might learn it alongside other basic health words like 'febre' (fever) and 'médico' (doctor). Basic sentences like 'O menino tem sarampo' (The boy has measles) are enough for this level. You should focus on the spelling and the fact that it is a masculine noun. Knowing this word helps you navigate very basic medical interactions in a Portuguese-speaking country. You might also see it in simple children's books or health brochures for parents. It is a foundational health term because of its historical and social importance.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'sarampo' in simple descriptive sentences. You can talk about symptoms like 'manchas vermelhas' (red spots) and 'febre alta' (high fever). You should know the common verb phrase 'estar com sarampo' to describe someone who is currently ill. You can also understand simple instructions about vaccination, such as 'é preciso vacinar contra o sarampo'. This level involves being able to tell a doctor or a teacher why a child is not coming to school. You are moving beyond just recognizing the word to being able to place it in a context of daily life. You should also be aware that it is a singular noun, even though the English equivalent 'measles' can feel plural. Understanding the importance of the 'boletim de vacinas' (vaccination record) and how 'sarampo' appears in it is a key cultural and linguistic milestone for an A2 learner.

At the B1 level, you can participate in more detailed conversations about 'sarampo'. You can discuss the importance of public health, the role of vaccines, and the history of the disease in a general way. You should be able to explain the concept of a 'surto' (outbreak) and describe how the disease spreads (contágio). Your vocabulary should include related terms like 'imunidade' (immunity) and 'prevenção' (prevention). You can read news articles about measles outbreaks and understand the main points. You might also use the word in the context of discussing childhood memories or family history. At this level, you should be comfortable using the word in both formal (medical) and informal (family) registers. You understand that 'sarampo' is a serious topic and can express concern or give advice using the conditional or subjunctive moods, such as 'Se houvesse mais vacinação, o sarampo não voltaria'.

At the B2 level, you can understand and discuss the complexities of 'sarampo' in the context of public health policy and scientific debate. You can follow a technical explanation of how the virus affects the immune system or the statistical analysis of vaccination rates. You are comfortable with terms like 'erradicação' (eradication), 'taxa de cobertura vacinal' (vaccine coverage rate), and 'transmissibilidade' (transmissibility). You can express nuanced opinions about mandatory vaccination and the social implications of 'movimentos antivacina'. You can also differentiate 'sarampo' from similar diseases using precise medical terminology. Your ability to write about the topic includes using complex sentence structures and a variety of synonyms. You can understand the historical context of how 'sarampo' influenced public health laws in countries like Brazil and Portugal. You are no longer just talking about a sick child; you are discussing a global health challenge.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of 'sarampo' and can use it in highly specialized or academic contexts. You can read medical journals in Portuguese that discuss the epidemiology of the virus. You understand the nuances of how the word is used in different Lusophone countries and can detect subtle emotional or political undertones in public health messaging. You can use the word metaphorically if the situation arises, though it is rare. Your vocabulary is rich enough to discuss the molecular biology of the 'morbilivírus' or the logistics of 'campanhas de vacinação em massa' in developing regions. You can lead a discussion or give a presentation on the resurgence of measles in the 21st century, citing historical data and current social trends. Your command of the language allows you to use 'sarampo' as a case study for broader topics like health equity or international cooperation in medicine.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'sarampo' is equivalent to that of a native speaker with a high level of education. You can appreciate the word's place in the broader tapestry of Portuguese language and culture. You can analyze the rhetoric used in historical public health campaigns and understand the sociological impact of the disease on different communities over centuries. You can switch effortlessly between the clinical, the historical, and the colloquial. You might explore the etymology of the word or its appearance in classic Portuguese literature. You can draft official health guidelines or policy papers that involve 'sarampo' with perfect grammatical and stylistic precision. Your understanding includes the most obscure technical details and the most common cultural tropes associated with the disease. For you, 'sarampo' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a point of intersection for science, history, and society within the Lusophone world.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

sarampo in 30 Seconds

Sarampo is the Portuguese noun for measles, a highly contagious viral disease known for its red rash and high fever symptoms in patients.
It is a masculine noun ('o sarampo') and is primarily used in medical, educational, and public health contexts across all Portuguese-speaking countries.
Prevention is key, with the 'vacina contra o sarampo' being a standard part of childhood immunization schedules globally to prevent dangerous outbreaks.
Common symptoms associated with sarampo include 'manchas vermelhas' (red spots), 'febre' (fever), and 'tosse' (cough), making it easily recognizable in clinical discussions.

The Portuguese word sarampo is a masculine noun that refers specifically to the medical condition known in English as measles. It is a highly contagious viral infection that historically affected children but can occur at any age if the individual is not immune. In Portuguese-speaking societies, the word carries a weight of medical concern, often associated with childhood health records, vaccination campaigns, and public health announcements. When you hear the word sarampo, it is almost always in a clinical or health-related context, though it can occasionally appear in metaphorical senses regarding something that spreads rapidly or a 'phase' one must go through.

Medical Context: In a medical setting, 'sarampo' is used to describe the pathology characterized by high fever, cough, coryza, and the signature maculopapular rash. Doctors will ask: 'A criança já teve sarampo?' (Has the child already had measles?).

Antigamente, quase todas as crianças apanhavam sarampo antes dos dez anos de idade.

The term is derived from older linguistic roots, but its modern usage is strictly regulated by health literacy. Unlike some other diseases that might have colloquial nicknames, sarampo remains the standard term used by both laypeople and professionals. You might find it in old literature describing childhood memories, or in modern news reports discussing 'surtos' (outbreaks) in specific regions. Because vaccination (vacinação) has made the disease rarer in many Lusophone countries, the word now often appears in discussions about public health policy and the importance of the 'Plano Nacional de Vacinação'.

Social Context: In social circles, parents might discuss 'o surto de sarampo na escola' (the measles outbreak at school). It is a word that triggers immediate protective instincts in a community.

O médico confirmou que as manchas vermelhas no corpo do João eram sintomas de sarampo.

Furthermore, the word is essential for anyone traveling to or living in Portuguese-speaking regions, as health forms often require you to state whether you have been vaccinated against it. The phrase 'vacina contra o sarampo' is a staple of pediatric care. In historical contexts, you might read about how sarampo devastated populations before the advent of modern medicine, highlighting its significance in the history of science and society in Portugal, Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique.

Linguistic Register: While 'sarampo' is a technical medical term, it is the only common word for the disease, making it appropriate for all levels of formality, from a casual chat between neighbors to a doctoral thesis on epidemiology.

Houve uma campanha massiva para erradicar o sarampo no país durante a década de noventa.

Não se esqueça de verificar se a vacina do sarampo está em dia no boletim de saúde.

A transmissão do sarampo ocorre através de gotículas respiratórias no ar.

Using sarampo correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and the typical verbs that accompany it. In Portuguese, we don't 'have a measles' (using an indefinite article); we simply 'have measles' or 'are with measles'. The most common construction is the verb 'estar com' (to be with) followed by the noun. For example, 'Ele está com sarampo' (He has measles). Another common verb is 'apanhar' (to catch), as in 'apanhar sarampo'. This section explores the syntactic patterns and typical collocations that make your Portuguese sound natural when discussing health.

The Verb 'Estar com': This is the most natural way to describe an ongoing illness. 'Estou com sarampo' means 'I currently have measles'. It focuses on the state of being ill.

Se o seu filho estiver com sarampo, ele deve ficar em casa e evitar o contacto com outras pessoas.

When discussing the act of contracting the virus, 'apanhar' or 'contrair' are the preferred choices. 'Contrair' is more formal and often used in medical literature or news reports. 'Apanhar' is more common in everyday speech. For instance, 'Muitas pessoas apanharam sarampo durante o inverno' (Many people caught measles during the winter). Notice that the definite article 'o' is often used when the noun is the subject of a sentence or when referring to the disease in general: 'O sarampo é perigoso'.

Prepositional Use: We use 'contra' (against) when talking about vaccines or prevention. 'Vacina contra o sarampo' is the standard phrase for the measles vaccine.

A imunidade contra o sarampo é geralmente vitalícia após a primeira infecção ou vacinação completa.

In descriptive sentences, sarampo can be the subject of verbs like 'causar' (to cause) or 'espalhar-se' (to spread). 'O sarampo causa febre alta' (Measles causes high fever). It can also be modified by adjectives like 'grave' (serious) or 'contagioso' (contagious). When discussing symptoms, you might say 'as manchas do sarampo' (the measles spots). The word is versatile within its medical domain, allowing for complex sentence structures that describe public health crises or simple family health updates.

Passive Voice and Formal Reports: In reports, you might see: 'Foram detectados novos casos de sarampo'. This uses the plural 'casos de' to quantify the occurrences of the disease.

O governo anunciou que o sarampo foi erradicado nesta região há dois anos.

A enfermeira explicou como identificar os primeiros sinais de sarampo nos bebés.

Devido ao sarampo, a escola primária teve de fechar durante uma semana inteira.

The word sarampo is most frequently heard in environments where health and child-rearing are the primary topics. This includes pediatric clinics (clínicas pediátricas), hospitals, schools, and government public health broadcasts. In Portugal and Brazil, vaccination schedules are a major part of civic life, so you will often hear sarampo in the context of reminders to get vaccinated. For example, during a news segment, a reporter might say, 'As autoridades de saúde alertam para um novo surto de sarampo no norte do país' (Health authorities warn of a new measles outbreak in the north of the country).

In the Doctor's Office: Doctors use it when checking symptoms or reviewing medical histories. 'O seu filho já levou a vacina do sarampo?' (Has your son had the measles vaccine?).

Doutor, estas borbulhas podem ser sarampo ou é apenas uma alergia?

Another common place to hear the word is in schools or among parents. When a child is diagnosed, the school is required to inform other parents. You might hear a parent say, 'Disseram que há um caso de sarampo na turma da Maria' (They said there's a case of measles in Maria's class). This context often carries a sense of urgency and communal responsibility. In the workplace, if someone's child is ill, they might explain their absence by saying, 'Não posso ir trabalhar porque o meu filho apanhou sarampo' (I can't go to work because my son caught measles).

News and Media: Headlines often use 'sarampo' to discuss global health trends or local statistics. 'Número de casos de sarampo sobe 20% este ano'.

A rádio anunciou que a campanha de vacinação contra o sarampo começa na próxima segunda-feira.

In historical documentaries or literature, sarampo might be mentioned as a scourge of the past. Older generations often talk about how 'no meu tempo, toda a gente tinha sarampo' (in my time, everyone had measles), reflecting a time before widespread immunization. This gives the word a nostalgic, albeit slightly grim, place in the collective memory of older Portuguese speakers. Whether it's a doctor's clinical assessment or a grandmother's story, the word remains the definitive term for this specific viral threat.

Public Health Posters: You will see 'SARAMPO' in large letters on posters in 'Centros de Saúde' (Health Centers) explaining how to protect your family.

O cartaz no hospital dizia: Proteja o seu filho, vacine contra o sarampo.

Ouvimos no telejornal que o sarampo está a regressar a alguns países da Europa.

A minha avó contou que o seu irmão mais novo quase morreu de sarampo quando era pequeno.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using sarampo is treating it as a plural noun. In English, 'measles' ends in 's' and often takes a singular verb, but it looks like a plural. In Portuguese, sarampo is clearly singular and masculine. You should never say 'os sarampos' to refer to the disease. Another common error is confusing sarampo with other childhood diseases like 'varicela' (chickenpox) or 'rubéola' (rubella). While they all cause rashes, the names are distinct and not interchangeable.

Pluralization Error: Mistake: 'Ele tem os sarampos'. Correct: 'Ele tem sarampo'. The disease is a singular concept.

Dizer 'os sarampos' é um erro comum para quem está a aprender português.

Gender confusion is another pitfall. Some learners might assume that because many diseases in Portuguese are feminine (like 'a gripe' - the flu, or 'a pneumonia'), sarampo should be feminine as well. However, it is strictly masculine: 'o sarampo'. Using 'a sarampo' will mark you as a beginner. Additionally, learners often struggle with the preposition used with vaccines. In English, we might say 'vaccine for measles', but in Portuguese, it is 'vacina contra o sarampo' (vaccine against measles). Using 'para o sarampo' sounds slightly less natural, although it might be understood.

Confusion with Varicela: Many learners say 'sarampo' when they mean 'chickenpox'. Remember: Sarampo = Measles; Varicela = Chickenpox.

Muitos alunos confundem sarampo com varicela porque ambas as doenças causam manchas na pele.

Finally, be careful with the spelling. It is sarampo with an 'm' before the 'p'. A common misspelling is 'saranpo' with an 'n'. In Portuguese spelling rules, 'm' is always used before 'p' and 'b'. Mastering this small detail will significantly improve your written Portuguese. Also, remember that the 'r' in sarampo is a single 'r', producing a soft, tapped sound, not the strong, guttural 'rr' found at the beginning of words like 'rato'.

Spelling Rule: Remember the rule: 'M' before 'P' and 'B'. Therefore, it is always 'sarampo' and never 'saranpo'.

Escrever sarampo com 'n' é um erro ortográfico básico que deve ser evitado.

É importante não confundir o sarampo com a rubéola, pois as complicações são diferentes.

O uso do artigo masculino é obrigatório: dizemos sempre 'o sarampo'.

While sarampo is the specific term for measles, there are several related words that you might use depending on the level of specificity or the context. If you are not sure if it is measles, you might use more general terms like 'doença' (disease), 'infecção' (infection), or 'virose' (viral illness). Understanding the nuances between these terms will help you describe symptoms and health states more accurately when the exact diagnosis is unknown.

Sarampo vs. Varicela: Sarampo is measles (caused by morbillivirus). Varicela is chickenpox (caused by varicella-zoster). Both involve rashes, but varicela is typically itchier and has blisters.

Embora o sarampo e a varicela sejam doenças infantis, os seus vírus são completamente distintos.

Another related term is 'rubéola' (rubella or German measles). Historically, rubella was sometimes called 'sarampo alemão', but this is rarely used today; 'rubéola' is the standard. If you want to talk about the rash itself, you can use the word 'exantema' (medical term for rash) or simply 'manchas vermelhas' (red spots). For instance, 'O sarampo provoca um exantema característico'. If you are talking about a general outbreak of any disease, 'epidemia' or 'surto' are the words to go with.

Sarampo vs. Escarlatina: Escarlatina (scarlet fever) is bacterial, whereas sarampo is viral. Both cause red skin, but escarlatina is treated with antibiotics.

O diagnóstico diferencial entre sarampo e escarlatina é essencial para o tratamento correto.

In terms of prevention, the word 'vacina' is the most important companion to sarampo. Specifically, the 'vacina VASPR' (in Portugal) or 'tríplice viral' (in Brazil) covers measles, mumps (papeira/caxumba), and rubella. Knowing these acronyms and related disease names provides a comprehensive vocabulary for discussing pediatric health. If you are looking for a more formal way to say 'catching measles', you can use 'infeção por morbilivírus', though this is strictly for medical professionals.

General Categories: 'Virose' is a very common Portuguese word for any vague viral illness. If a doctor isn't sure it's sarampo yet, they might just call it a 'virose'.

Muitas vezes, os primeiros sintomas do sarampo assemelham-se a uma virose comum.

A erradicação do sarampo é um objetivo prioritário para a Organização Mundial da Saúde.

Para além do sarampo, a vacina também protege contra a rubéola e a papeira.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"A incidência de sarampo diminuiu drasticamente."

Neutral

"O sarampo é uma doença comum na infância."

Informal

"Acho que o miúdo está com sarampo."

Child friendly

"O sarampo faz umas pintinhas vermelhas na pele."

Slang

"Aquela festa estava mais espalhada que sarampo."

Fun Fact

In the past, 'sarampo' was often confused with other diseases, leading to many different regional names before medical standardization. The 'm' before 'p' rule in its spelling is a classic example of Portuguese orthography inherited from Latin influence.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sɐˈɾɐ̃.pu/

US /saˈɾɐ̃.pu/

The stress is on the second syllable: sa-RAM-po.

Rhymes With

campo tampo lampo extampo contracampo entretempo (near rhyme) trampo grampo

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' as a guttural French 'r'. It should be a light tap.
Failing to nasalize the 'am' syllable. It shouldn't sound like 'am' in 'ham', but more like a nasal 'ah'.
Pronouncing the final 'o' as a full 'oh'. In most dialects, it sounds like 'u'.
Stress on the first syllable. It is a paroxytone word.
Adding an 'n' sound instead of a nasal vowel (saran-po).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is easy to recognize in medical and news texts.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the 'm' before 'p' and masculine gender.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward with a tapped 'r'.

Listening 2/5

Clear phonetic structure makes it easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

doença febre mancha médico vacina

Learn Next

varicela rubéola papeira tosse gripe

Advanced

epidemiologia imunidade de grupo patogénese transmissibilidade erradicação

Grammar to Know

Masculine Nouns ending in -o

O sarampo, o campo, o tempo.

M before P and B

Sarampo, campo, também, pombo.

Nasal Vowels with 'am'

Sarampo (sa-rã-po), campo (cã-po).

Verbs of Illness (Estar com)

Estou com sarampo, estou com gripe.

Definite Article for Diseases

O sarampo é perigoso; A gripe é chata.

Examples by Level

O meu primo tem sarampo.

My cousin has measles.

Uses 'ter' (to have) to indicate the illness.

O sarampo é uma doença.

Measles is a disease.

Simple subject-verb-complement structure.

O bebé está com sarampo.

The baby has measles.

Uses 'estar com' which is very common for temporary states.

Vi manchas de sarampo na pele.

I saw measles spots on the skin.

Direct object 'manchas de sarampo'.

O sarampo dá febre.

Measles causes fever.

The verb 'dar' is often used for symptoms in Portuguese.

Ele não pode ir à escola, tem sarampo.

He can't go to school, he has measles.

Explaining a cause-effect relationship.

A vacina do sarampo é importante.

The measles vaccine is important.

Possessive 'do' (de + o) linking vaccine and disease.

O sarampo é perigoso para as crianças.

Measles is dangerous for children.

Adjective 'perigoso' modifying the noun.

Muitas crianças apanharam sarampo na escola primária.

Many children caught measles at primary school.

Uses the verb 'apanhar' (to catch/contract).

O médico disse que o sarampo é muito contagioso.

The doctor said that measles is very contagious.

Reported speech using 'disse que'.

Tens de verificar se já tiveste sarampo.

You have to check if you've already had measles.

Compound past 'tiveste' (pretérito perfeito).

O surto de sarampo começou no mês passado.

The measles outbreak started last month.

Noun 'surto' (outbreak) is a key collocation.

As manchas do sarampo desaparecem depois de alguns dias.

The measles spots disappear after a few days.

Plural subject 'as manchas' with the singular 'do sarampo'.

Não saias de casa se estiveres com sarampo.

Don't leave the house if you have measles.

Imperative 'não saias' with the future subjunctive 'estiveres'.

A enfermeira deu a vacina contra o sarampo ao Pedro.

The nurse gave the measles vaccine to Pedro.

Preposition 'contra' (against) is standard for vaccines.

O sarampo pode ser evitado com a vacinação.

Measles can be avoided with vaccination.

Passive voice 'pode ser evitado'.

Antigamente, o sarampo era uma preocupação constante para as famílias.

In the past, measles was a constant concern for families.

Imperfect tense 'era' used for past habitual states.

É fundamental que todas as crianças recebam a vacina do sarampo a tempo.

It is essential that all children receive the measles vaccine on time.

Subjunctive mood 'recebam' after an impersonal expression.

O sarampo espalha-se rapidamente através de gotículas no ar.

Measles spreads rapidly through droplets in the air.

Reflexive verb 'espalhar-se' (to spread itself).

Se não tivesses sido vacinado, poderias ter apanhado sarampo.

If you hadn't been vaccinated, you could have caught measles.

Third conditional structure (past unreal).

Houve uma campanha nacional para erradicar o sarampo no Brasil.

There was a national campaign to eradicate measles in Brazil.

Verb 'erradicar' (to eradicate) is a formal collocation.

O diagnóstico do sarampo é feito através de exames clínicos e laboratoriais.

The diagnosis of measles is made through clinical and laboratory tests.

Formal passive construction.

Embora o sarampo seja raro hoje em dia, ainda ocorrem alguns casos isolados.

Although measles is rare nowadays, some isolated cases still occur.

Concessive clause with 'embora' plus subjunctive.

A imunidade ao sarampo é vitalícia para quem já teve a doença.

Immunity to measles is lifelong for those who have already had the disease.

Adjective 'vitalícia' (lifelong).

A quebra na taxa de vacinação levou ao ressurgimento do sarampo na Europa.

The drop in the vaccination rate led to the resurgence of measles in Europe.

Noun 'ressurgimento' (resurgence).

As autoridades de saúde monitorizam rigorosamente todos os surtos de sarampo.

Health authorities strictly monitor all measles outbreaks.

Adverb 'rigorosamente' (strictly/rigorously).

O sarampo pode causar complicações graves, como pneumonia ou encefalite.

Measles can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia or encephalitis.

Listing medical complications.

É imperativo reforçar a confiança pública na vacina contra o sarampo.

It is imperative to strengthen public trust in the measles vaccine.

Formal structure 'É imperativo' + infinitive.

O sarampo é frequentemente utilizado como exemplo da eficácia das vacinas.

Measles is frequently used as an example of the effectiveness of vaccines.

Passive voice with 'frequentemente'.

A transmissão do sarampo ocorre mesmo antes do aparecimento das manchas.

Transmission of measles occurs even before the appearance of the spots.

Prepositional phrase 'antes do aparecimento'.

Vários países perderam o estatuto de 'livre de sarampo' devido à falta de imunização.

Several countries lost their 'measles-free' status due to lack of immunization.

Complex noun phrase 'estatuto de livre de sarampo'.

A investigação científica sobre o sarampo continua a ser uma prioridade global.

Scientific research on measles continues to be a global priority.

Subject 'A investigação científica' with a continuous verb form.

O sarampo constitui um desafio epidemiológico em populações com baixa cobertura vacinal.

Measles constitutes an epidemiological challenge in populations with low vaccine coverage.

High-level verb 'constituir' (to constitute).

A patogénese do sarampo envolve a supressão temporária do sistema imunitário.

The pathogenesis of measles involves temporary suppression of the immune system.

Technical medical vocabulary like 'patogénese'.

A retórica antivacina tem tido um impacto deletério na erradicação do sarampo.

Anti-vaccine rhetoric has had a deleterious impact on the eradication of measles.

Adjective 'deletério' (harmful/deleterious).

A vigilância epidemiológica é crucial para detetar precocemente casos de sarampo.

Epidemiological surveillance is crucial for early detection of measles cases.

Adverb 'precocemente' (early/prematurely).

O sarampo é uma das doenças mais contagiosas conhecidas pela medicina moderna.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to modern medicine.

Superlative construction 'uma das... mais'.

A história do sarampo está intrinsecamente ligada à evolução da saúde pública.

The history of measles is intrinsically linked to the evolution of public health.

Adverb 'intrinsecamente' (intrinsically).

A sequenciação genómica do vírus do sarampo permite rastrear a origem dos surtos.

Genomic sequencing of the measles virus allows tracking the origin of outbreaks.

Technical phrase 'sequenciação genómica'.

A letalidade do sarampo é significativamente maior em contextos de malnutrição.

The lethality of measles is significantly higher in contexts of malnutrition.

Noun 'letalidade' (lethality/fatality rate).

A erradicação global do sarampo permanece um objetivo esquivo, apesar dos avanços biotecnológicos.

The global eradication of measles remains an elusive goal, despite biotechnological advances.

Sophisticated adjective 'esquivo' (elusive).

O sarampo atua como um 'biomarcador' da robustez dos sistemas de saúde primários.

Measles acts as a 'biomarker' of the robustness of primary health systems.

Metaphorical use of 'biomarcador' in a sociological context.

A reemergência do sarampo em sociedades pós-industriais reflete uma crise de confiança institucional.

The reemergence of measles in post-industrial societies reflects a crisis of institutional trust.

Complex sociological analysis using 'reemergência'.

A dinâmica de transmissão do sarampo é um modelo clássico na modelação matemática de epidemias.

The transmission dynamics of measles is a classic model in the mathematical modeling of epidemics.

Academic phrase 'modelação matemática'.

A memória coletiva do sarampo desvaneceu-se, o que paradoxalmente facilita a sua propagação.

The collective memory of measles has faded, which paradoxically facilitates its spread.

Adverb 'paradoxalmente' used to introduce a counter-intuitive point.

O sarampo é um exemplo paradigmático de como a hesitação vacinal pode comprometer a imunidade de grupo.

Measles is a paradigmatic example of how vaccine hesitancy can compromise herd immunity.

Sophisticated phrase 'exemplo paradigmático'.

A gestão de surtos de sarampo exige uma coordenação transfronteiriça impecável.

Management of measles outbreaks requires impeccable cross-border coordination.

Adjective 'transfronteiriça' (cross-border).

A virulência do sarampo em populações virgens foi documentada tragicamente durante a era colonial.

The virulence of measles in virgin populations was tragically documented during the colonial era.

Historical-medical terminology like 'populações virgens'.

Common Collocations

vacina contra o sarampo

surto de sarampo

apanhar sarampo

estar com sarampo

vírus do sarampo

casos de sarampo

sintomas de sarampo

transmissão do sarampo

imunidade ao sarampo

combate ao sarampo

Common Phrases

Já tiveste sarampo?

— A common question to check medical history. It asks if you have ever had the disease.

A enfermeira perguntou: Já tiveste sarampo?

Manchas de sarampo.

— Refers to the specific red spots caused by the virus. It's a descriptive phrase.

Ele tem as manchas de sarampo por todo o corpo.

Campanha do sarampo.

— Short for a public health campaign focused on measles vaccination. It's often heard on TV.

A campanha do sarampo começa amanhã.

É só sarampo.

— A way to downplay the severity (often incorrectly) or to confirm a diagnosis. It implies it's just the expected childhood illness.

Não se preocupe, o médico disse que é só sarampo.

Contrair o sarampo.

— A more formal way of saying 'to catch measles'. Used in reports.

Várias pessoas podem contrair o sarampo se não houver vacinas.

Livre de sarampo.

— A status given to a region where the disease has been eliminated. It is a point of pride for health officials.

O país foi declarado livre de sarampo pela OMS.

Complicações do sarampo.

— Refers to the secondary health issues that can arise from the disease. It's a serious medical term.

As complicações do sarampo podem ser fatais.

Sinais de sarampo.

— The early indicators that someone might have the disease. It's used in health guides.

Fique atento aos primeiros sinais de sarampo.

Vacinação do sarampo.

— The act of getting the shot. It's a general term for the immunization process.

A vacinação do sarampo é gratuita no centro de saúde.

Diagnóstico de sarampo.

— The official confirmation by a doctor that a patient has the disease. It's a formal process.

O diagnóstico de sarampo foi confirmado hoje.

Often Confused With

sarampo vs varicela

Varicela is chickenpox. Both cause rashes, but they are different viruses.

sarampo vs rubéola

Rubéola is rubella. It's milder than sarampo but very dangerous for pregnant women.

sarampo vs saramago

Saramago is a famous Portuguese writer. Don't confuse the author with the disease!

Idioms & Expressions

"Mais espalhado que o sarampo"

— Something that is everywhere or has spread very quickly. It's a colloquial comparison.

Essa notícia está mais espalhada que o sarampo.

informal

"Parecer que tem sarampo"

— Used to describe something (like a wall or a fabric) that has many red dots or a splotchy pattern.

Essa camisa é tão feia que parece que tem sarampo.

informal

"Apanhar o sarampo (metaphorical)"

— Occasionally used to mean catching a 'trend' or a common 'bug' that everyone else has.

Parece que toda a gente apanhou o sarampo da moda este ano.

slangy/informal

"Limpo como se nunca tivesse tido sarampo"

— Used to describe something perfectly clean or someone with a very clear medical history/skin.

A pele dele está limpa como se nunca tivesse tido sarampo.

informal

"Dar sarampo a alguém"

— Literally to infect someone, but sometimes used to mean giving someone a lot of trouble or a 'headache'.

Aquele trabalho vai-me dar sarampo!

very informal/regional

"Ter sarampo mental"

— A rare, humorous way to say someone is acting childish or has 'spots' on their logic.

Ele está com um sarampo mental hoje, não diz nada que faça sentido.

slang

"Vacina contra o sarampo (as a metaphor for protection)"

— Using the idea of a vaccine to mean a solution that prevents a recurring problem.

Precisamos de uma vacina contra o sarampo da corrupção.

political/journalistic

"Brotar como sarampo"

— To appear suddenly and in large numbers, like the spots of the disease.

As lojas de conveniência brotam como sarampo nesta rua.

informal

"Ficar vermelho como um sarampo"

— To blush deeply or turn very red due to anger or embarrassment.

Ele ficou vermelho como um sarampo quando ela o elogiou.

informal

"Sarampo de estimação"

— A sarcastic way to refer to a minor problem that someone refuses to fix or get rid of.

Ele já tem aquele carro velho há anos, é o seu sarampo de estimação.

humorous

Easily Confused

sarampo vs sarampo

Looks like 'shampoo' to some beginners.

Sarampo is a disease; shampoo is for washing hair. They sound different in Portuguese.

Eu uso shampoo no banho, mas o sarampo é uma doença.

sarampo vs sarampão

It's an augmentative form.

Sarampão is a variant, often used for a severe case or colloquially in Brazil.

Ele teve um sarampão quando era pequeno.

sarampo vs serpente

Similar starting sound.

Serpente is a snake; sarampo is a disease.

A serpente é um animal, o sarampo é um vírus.

sarampo vs sarar

Same root sound.

Sarar is a verb meaning 'to heal'; sarampo is the noun for the disease.

Ele precisa de tempo para sarar do sarampo.

sarampo vs sara

Common name.

Sara is a name; sarampo is a disease.

A Sara não tem sarampo.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] tem sarampo.

O João tem sarampo.

[Subject] está com sarampo.

A criança está com sarampo.

A vacina contra o sarampo é [adjective].

A vacina contra o sarampo é essencial.

Houve um surto de sarampo em [Location].

Houve um surto de sarampo em Lisboa.

A erradicação do sarampo depende de [Noun Phrase].

A erradicação do sarampo depende de uma cobertura vacinal elevada.

O sarampo exemplifica a [Abstract Noun] da saúde pública.

O sarampo exemplifica a fragilidade da saúde pública global.

Apanhar sarampo é [Adjective].

Apanhar sarampo é perigoso.

O sarampo causa [Symptom].

O sarampo causa manchas na pele.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in medical and news contexts; rare in everyday casual talk unless someone is actually sick.

Common Mistakes

A sarampo → O sarampo
Sarampo is a masculine noun. Using the feminine article is a fundamental gender error.
Saranpo → Sarampo
Misspelling with 'n' instead of 'm'. Always use 'm' before 'p'.
Os sarampos → O sarampo
Trying to pluralize the disease name like in English 'measles'. In Portuguese, it is singular.
Vacina para o sarampo → Vacina contra o sarampo
While 'para' is understood, 'contra' is the standard preposition for vaccines in Portuguese.
Tenho sarampo (for past) → Tive sarampo
Using present tense for a past illness. Use the Pretérito Perfeito to say you've had it before.

Tips

Gender Check

Always pair 'sarampo' with masculine adjectives: 'sarampo grave', 'sarampo perigoso'. Never use feminine forms with this word.

Disease Names

Learn 'sarampo' alongside 'varicela' and 'rubéola' as a set. This helps you keep the three common childhood rashes distinct in your mind.

Nasal Power

Practice the 'am' sound by humming through your nose while saying 'ah'. This nasalization is key to sounding like a native when saying 'sarampo'.

Health Records

If living in a Lusophone country, look for 'sarampo' in your 'boletim de vacinas'. Knowing where it is can be helpful for medical appointments.

Spelling Rule

The rule 'M before P and B' is absolute in Portuguese. Use 'sarampo' as your mental anchor to remember this rule for other words too.

Estar com vs Ter

Use 'estou com sarampo' for the current state and 'já tive sarampo' for the past experience. This is the most natural way to express these ideas.

Outbreak Terms

When reading the news, look for the word 'surto'. If you see 'surto de sarampo', it means there is an active measles outbreak you should know about.

Reduced Vowels

In Portugal, the first 'a' in sarampo is very closed, almost like a schwa. In Brazil, it is more open. Adjust your listening based on the dialect.

M for Measles

Remember that 'sarampo' has an 'm' just like 'measles' in English. This can help you avoid the 'saranpo' spelling error.

Professional Use

In a professional health environment, use 'vacinação' instead of just 'vacina' to sound more formal when discussing sarampo prevention.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'SARAMPO' as 'Spots Are Red And Many People Observe'. This helps you remember it's about spots and it's a social/contagious issue.

Visual Association

Imagine a red 'S' shape made out of tiny red dots on a white background. The 'S' stands for Sarampo.

Word Web

vírus vacina manchas febre criança hospital contágio saúde

Challenge

Try to write three sentences: one about a vaccine, one about a symptom, and one about a school outbreak using the word 'sarampo'.

Word Origin

The word 'sarampo' is believed to have originated from the Vulgar Latin 'sirimpio', which was used to describe various skin eruptions. It has been a part of the Portuguese language for centuries, evolving alongside the medical understanding of the disease.

Original meaning: A skin eruption or a type of rash.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Always treat the topic with seriousness, as it is a potentially fatal disease in some parts of the world.

English speakers might find it strange that 'measles' is singular in Portuguese ('o sarampo'), as the English word often feels plural.

Zé Gotinha (Brazilian vaccination mascot) Plano Nacional de Vacinação (Portugal) OMS (World Health Organization) reports on Lusophone health

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Pediatric Health

Vacina do sarampo
Sintomas infantis
Consulta de pediatria
Boletim de saúde

School Environment

Aviso de doença
Faltar às aulas
Surto na turma
Contacto com infectados

Public Health News

Campanha de vacinação
Novos casos
Autoridades de saúde
Alerta epidemiológico

Medical History

Historial clínico
Doenças de infância
Já tive sarampo
Imunidade natural

Travel Health

Certificado de vacinação
Riscos de saúde
Países endémicos
Prevenção viral

Conversation Starters

"Sabias que o sarampo está a voltar a alguns países da Europa?"

"Já verificaste se o teu boletim de vacinas tem a vacina do sarampo em dia?"

"Quando eras pequeno, chegaste a apanhar sarampo ou foste vacinado?"

"O que achas das novas campanhas contra o sarampo nas redes sociais?"

"Achas que o sarampo ainda é uma ameaça séria hoje em dia?"

Journal Prompts

Escreve sobre uma memória de infância relacionada com estar doente ou ir ao médico para levar uma vacina como a do sarampo.

Reflete sobre a importância da ciência na erradicação de doenças graves como o sarampo no último século.

Imagina que és um médico a explicar a um pai por que razão o seu filho deve ser vacinado contra o sarampo.

Descreve como a sociedade mudou desde o tempo em que o sarampo era uma doença comum em todas as famílias.

Escreve um pequeno artigo de opinião sobre o papel das notícias na prevenção de surtos de sarampo.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Sim, o sarampo é uma das doenças mais contagiosas do mundo. Ele espalha-se através do ar quando uma pessoa infectada tosse ou espirra. Por isso, é muito importante manter as crianças doentes em casa para evitar surtos.

Diz-se 'vacina contra o sarampo'. Em Portugal, faz parte da vacina VASPR (Sarampo, Papeira, Rubéola). No Brasil, é conhecida como 'tríplice viral'. É a melhor forma de prevenção.

Os sintomas incluem febre alta, tosse, corrimento nasal e manchas vermelhas que começam no rosto e descem pelo corpo. Se notar estes sinais, deve contactar um médico imediatamente.

O sarampo é um substantivo masculino. Dizemos sempre 'o sarampo' e nunca 'a sarampo'. Este é um erro comum que deve ser evitado pelos estudantes de português.

Geralmente não. Depois de ter sarampo uma vez, o corpo desenvolve imunidade vitalícia. No entanto, a vacinação é muito mais segura do que apanhar a doença natural.

Não existe um tratamento antiviral específico para o sarampo. O tratamento foca-se em aliviar os sintomas, como baixar a febre e manter o paciente hidratado enquanto o corpo combate o vírus.

Embora tenha sido quase erradicado, ainda ocorrem surtos ocasionais devido a casos importados ou baixas taxas de vacinação em certos grupos. Por isso, a vigilância continua a ser alta.

As manchas do sarampo podem causar algum desconforto, mas não costumam dar tanta comichão como as da varicela. A febre e o mal-estar geral são sintomas mais proeminentes.

O sarampo é geralmente mais grave e causa febre mais alta. A rubéola é mais suave, mas é extremamente perigosa para mulheres grávidas, pois pode causar malformações no feto.

Escreve-se sempre 'sarampo' com 'm'. Lembre-se da regra gramatical portuguesa: antes de 'p' e 'b', usamos sempre a letra 'm' e nunca a letra 'n'.