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vermelhidão

B1 noun #6,500 most common 8 min read

vermelhidão

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips vermelhidão in 30 Seconds

Explanation vermelhidão in your Level:

At the A1 level, you primarily learn the word 'vermelho' (red) to describe colors. 'Vermelhidão' is a bit more advanced, but you can understand it as 'the state of being red'. Think of it as what happens to your skin if you stay in the sun for too long without protection. It is a noun, which means it is a 'thing'. In Portuguese, we say 'a vermelhidão' because it is a feminine word. You might use it in very simple sentences like 'Eu tenho vermelhidão na mão' (I have redness on my hand). Just remember: 'vermelho' is the color, and 'vermelhidão' is the condition you see on your skin or in your eyes. It is an important word for basic health and saying how you feel.

By A2, you are expanding your vocabulary to include symptoms and physical descriptions. 'Vermelhidão' is very useful when talking to a doctor or a pharmacist. It specifically means 'redness'. You will notice that it ends in '-idão', a common ending for abstract nouns in Portuguese. When you use this word, remember that it is feminine. You will often use it with the verb 'ter' (to have) or 'notar' (to notice). For example: 'Você notou a vermelhidão no braço da criança?' (Did you notice the redness on the child's arm?). It is also common in the context of weather, describing a very red sunset. It's a step up from just saying 'está vermelho' (it is red) because it identifies the specific quality of the color as a condition.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'vermelhidão' in a variety of contexts, particularly medical and descriptive. You understand that it refers to inflammation or irritation. You can now use adjectives to describe the redness, such as 'vermelhidão intensa' (intense redness) or 'vermelhidão persistente' (persistent redness). You are also likely to encounter this word in written texts, such as instructions for skin creams or news articles about health. You should distinguish 'vermelhidão' from 'rubor' (blushing) and 'eritema' (the technical medical term). At this level, you can explain symptoms more clearly: 'A vermelhidão começou ontem e agora está coçando' (The redness started yesterday and now it is itching).

At B2, you recognize 'vermelhidão' as a standard term in both formal and informal registers. You are aware of its morphological structure (vermelho + -idão) and can relate it to other words in the same family like 'avermelhado' (reddish) or 'envermelhecer' (to turn red). You can use the word in more complex sentence structures, perhaps involving passive voice or subordinate clauses: 'A vermelhidão, que inicialmente era leve, espalhou-se por todo o corpo'. You also understand its use in metaphorical or literary contexts, such as describing the 'vermelhidão' of a sky before a storm, and you can discuss the causes and treatments for skin redness in a more nuanced way, using specific vocabulary like 'alérgenos', 'inflamação', or 'calmante'.

For C1 learners, 'vermelhidão' is a precise tool in your vocabulary. You can use it to describe subtle differences in physical states. You might contrast 'vermelhidão' with 'palidez' (paleness) or 'cianose' (bluish tint) in a professional medical or scientific discussion. You are also attuned to the stylistic choices an author makes when choosing 'vermelhidão' over 'rubor' or 'escarlate'. You understand the historical and linguistic roots of the suffix '-idão' and how it creates a sense of intensity or totality. In your own writing, you use 'vermelhidão' to provide vivid, sensory details, and you are capable of discussing the physiological processes of vasodilation that lead to 'vermelhidão' in a sophisticated manner.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'vermelhidão' and its place in the Portuguese language. You can use it with absolute precision in academic papers, medical diagnoses, or high-level literature. You understand the nuances of how the word has been used historically in Portuguese literature to describe both physical ailments and atmospheric conditions. You can effortlessly switch between 'vermelhidão', 'eritema', 'rubescência', and 'rubor' to achieve the exact tone and meaning required. Your understanding extends to the cultural implications of the word, such as its use in public health campaigns or its symbolic weight in poetry. You use the word not just to describe a color, but to evoke a specific state of being, often with layers of clinical or emotional meaning.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

vermelhidão in 30 Seconds

Vermelhidão is a feminine noun meaning 'redness', commonly used for skin irritation, medical symptoms, or the color of the sky during sunset.
It is derived from 'vermelho' (red) and the suffix '-idão', which denotes a state or intense quality of a physical condition.
Grammatically, it always takes feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., 'a vermelhidão forte'), and it is a key B1 level vocabulary word.
Common contexts include pharmacies, dermatology, weather reports, and literary descriptions of emotions like blushing or anger manifested physically.

The word vermelhidão is a feminine noun in Portuguese that translates to 'redness' in English. It is derived from the adjective 'vermelho' (red) combined with the suffix '-idão', which is used to form abstract nouns indicating a state, quality, or intense condition. In its most literal sense, it describes the physical appearance of something that has turned red, but in practice, it is most frequently used in medical, dermatological, and physiological contexts to describe skin irritation, inflammation, or the flushing of the face due to emotional or physical triggers.

Medical Context: When a doctor or nurse observes an area of the skin that is inflamed, they will refer to it as 'vermelhidão'. This could be a symptom of an allergy, an infection, or a simple burn. For example, 'A vermelhidão na perna indica uma possível infecção'.

Depois de passar o dia ao sol sem protetor, a sua pele apresentava uma forte vermelhidão.

Beyond the medical field, 'vermelhidão' can describe natural phenomena. You might hear it used to describe the sky during a particularly vibrant sunset, though 'rubor' or 'vermelhão' are also common in poetic contexts. However, 'vermelhidão' remains the standard, everyday term for any state of being red that is noteworthy or abnormal. It is a B1 level word because while 'vermelho' is basic, the abstract noun form is essential for more precise communication about health and observations.

Emotional Context: While 'corar' is the verb for blushing, the result on the cheeks is often described as 'vermelhidão'. If someone is very embarrassed, you might say: 'A vermelhidão no seu rosto era evidente'.

O colírio ajudou a reduzir a vermelhidão nos olhos do paciente.

In everyday life, you will see this word on the packaging of skincare products, sunscreens, and eye drops. Phrases like 'reduz a vermelhidão' (reduces redness) are marketing staples. Understanding this word helps you navigate pharmacies and health clinics in Portuguese-speaking countries effectively. It is not just about the color red; it is about the *condition* of being red, which implies a change from the normal state.

Using 'vermelhidão' correctly requires understanding its role as a noun. It is often the subject of a sentence or the object of a verb like 'notar' (to notice), 'apresentar' (to present/show), or 'reduzir' (to reduce). Because it is a feminine noun, it must be preceded by feminine articles (a, uma) and modified by feminine adjectives (forte, ligeira, persistente).

Grammatical Agreement: Always use 'a vermelhidão'. Example: 'A vermelhidão persistente deve ser avaliada por um médico'. Note how 'persistente' agrees with the feminine noun.

Se notar qualquer vermelhidão ou inchaço, pare de usar o creme imediatamente.

Commonly, 'vermelhidão' is followed by a prepositional phrase indicating the location on the body. 'Vermelhidão no rosto' (redness on the face), 'vermelhidão nos olhos' (redness in the eyes), or 'vermelhidão na pele' (redness on the skin). This structure is very similar to English, making it relatively intuitive for learners once the noun itself is memorized.

Descriptive Adjectives: You can qualify the redness: 'vermelhidão intensa' (intense redness), 'vermelhidão súbita' (sudden redness), or 'vermelhidão leve' (slight redness).

A vermelhidão dos seus olhos indicava que ele não tinha dormido nada.

In more formal writing, such as a medical report or a scientific article, you might see 'vermelhidão' used to describe the 'eritema' (erythema). In these cases, the word is used with high precision. In casual conversation, it is the standard way to complain about a skin reaction. 'Olha esta vermelhidão aqui no meu braço!' (Look at this redness here on my arm!).

O gel refrescante é ótimo para aliviar a vermelhidão pós-depilação.

You will encounter 'vermelhidão' in several specific environments. The most common is the pharmacy (farmácia). Pharmacists often use it when recommending products for skin irritation or allergies. You will also see it prominently on the labels of cosmetic products, particularly those designed for sensitive skin. If you watch Portuguese or Brazilian television, commercials for skincare brands like La Roche-Posay or Vichy will frequently use this word in their marketing copy.

In the Pharmacy: 'Este creme é excelente para tratar a vermelhidão causada pelo sol.' (This cream is excellent for treating redness caused by the sun.)

O médico examinou a vermelhidão e receitou uma pomada antibiótica.

Another place you will hear it is in news reports about weather or environmental conditions. For instance, after a large forest fire, reporters might describe the 'vermelhidão do céu' (the redness of the sky) caused by smoke and particles reflecting light. Similarly, in literature, authors use it to describe the physical manifestation of emotions like anger or shame, although 'rubor' is a more literary synonym.

In Beauty Salons: Estheticians often discuss 'vermelhidão' after procedures like chemical peels or waxing. 'É normal ter um pouco de vermelhidão após o tratamento.'

A vermelhidão no horizonte indicava que o dia seria muito quente.

In everyday family life, parents might use the word when checking their children for symptoms of common childhood illnesses like chickenpox or measles. 'O menino está com uma vermelhidão estranha nas costas.' It is a practical, functional word that bridges the gap between basic color descriptions and technical medical terminology.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using the adjective 'vermelho' when the noun 'vermelhidão' is required. In English, we might say 'The red on my skin', but in Portuguese, you cannot say 'O vermelho na minha pele' to describe inflammation; you must use 'A vermelhidão'. 'Vermelho' is the color itself, while 'vermelhidão' is the state or condition.

Noun vs. Adjective: Incorrect: 'Eu tenho muito vermelho no rosto.' Correct: 'Eu tenho muita vermelhidão no rosto.'

Não confunda vermelhidão (estado) com vermelho (cor).

Another common error is related to gender agreement. Since 'vermelhidão' ends in '-ão', many learners assume it is masculine (like 'pão' or 'caminhão'). However, abstract nouns ending in '-idão' are feminine. Therefore, saying 'o vermelhidão' is a common mistake. It must always be 'a vermelhidão'.

Gender Confusion: Incorrect: 'O vermelhidão sumiu.' Correct: 'A vermelhidão sumiu.'

Learners also sometimes confuse 'vermelhidão' with 'rubor'. While they are similar, 'rubor' is specifically used for blushing out of modesty or shame, or a healthy glow in the cheeks. 'Vermelhidão' is more general and often carries a connotation of irritation or pathology. Using 'vermelhidão' to describe a romantic blush might sound a bit too clinical or like a skin condition rather than a sweet emotion.

A vermelhidão é um sintoma, não apenas uma preferência de cor.

While 'vermelhidão' is the most common term for redness, Portuguese offers several alternatives depending on the context and the desired level of formality. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to understand technical or poetic texts more easily.

Eritema: This is the technical, medical term for redness of the skin caused by dilatation and congestion of the capillaries. You will hear doctors use this. 'O paciente apresenta um eritema difuso no tronco.'
Rubor: Used primarily for blushing or a healthy, reddish glow. It has a more positive or emotional connotation than 'vermelhidão'. 'Um leve rubor subiu às suas faces quando ele a elogiou.'
Vermelhão: This can be a synonym for intense redness, but it also refers to a specific bright red color or pigment (vermilion). In slang, 'que vermelhão!' might describe someone who is extremely sunburnt or embarrassed.

Enquanto a vermelhidão é clínica, o rubor é poético.

In the context of an allergy, you might also hear 'irritação' (irritation) or 'erupção' (rash/eruption). If the redness is specifically from a burn, 'queimadura' is the word for the burn itself, but 'vermelhidão' describes the appearance of the skin around it. For eyes, 'olhos injetados' (bloodshot eyes) is a more specific term than just 'vermelhidão nos olhos', although the latter is perfectly correct and very common.

A vermelhidão da inflamação é diferente do tom rosado da saúde.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The suffix '-idão' comes from the Latin '-itudo', which is the same root for English words ending in '-itude' like 'magnitude' or 'solitude'. So 'vermelhidão' is etymologically a 'red-itude'!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /veɾ.me.ʎi.ˈðɐ̃w̃/

US /veʁ.me.ʎi.ˈdɐ̃w̃/

The stress is on the last syllable '-dão', which contains the nasal diphthong.

Rhymes With

gratidão solidão mansidão multidão escritidão vastidão podridão retidão

Common Errors

Pronouncing '-ão' as a simple 'o' or 'an' without nasality.
Misplacing the stress on the 'mi' syllable.
Failing to pronounce the 'lh' (palatal lateral) correctly, sounding like 'li' instead.
Using a hard English 'r' instead of the Portuguese flap or guttural 'r'.
Treating it as a masculine noun because it ends in 'o'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'vermelho'.

Writing 4/5

The spelling of '-idão' and the 'lh' can be tricky.

Speaking 4/5

Nasal 'ão' and 'lh' are challenging for English speakers.

Listening 3/5

Distinctive ending makes it easy to spot in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

vermelho pele cor ter notar

Learn Next

eritema inflamação coceira inchaço avermelhado

Advanced

rubescência hiperemia vasodilatação escarlatina

Grammar to Know

Abstract Nouns in -idão

Vermelhidão, escuridão, solidão are all feminine.

Gender Agreement with -ão

A vermelhidão (not O vermelhidão).

Nasal Diphthongs

The 'ão' in vermelhidão requires air to flow through the nose.

Palatal Lateral 'lh'

The 'lh' in vermelhidão is produced with the tongue against the palate.

Adjective to Noun formation

Vermelho (Adj) -> Vermelhidão (Noun).

Examples by Level

A minha pele tem vermelhidão.

My skin has redness.

Uses the feminine article 'A'.

O sol causa vermelhidão.

The sun causes redness.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

Você vê a vermelhidão?

Do you see the redness?

Question form with 'vê' (see).

A vermelhidão é no olho.

The redness is in the eye.

Prepositional phrase 'no olho'.

Não gosto desta vermelhidão.

I don't like this redness.

Demonstrative 'desta' (de + esta).

O creme tira a vermelhidão.

The cream takes away the redness.

'Tira' is used colloquially for 'removes'.

É uma vermelhidão pequena.

It is a small redness.

Adjective 'pequena' agrees with 'vermelhidão'.

A vermelhidão sumiu hoje.

The redness disappeared today.

Past tense of 'sumir'.

A vermelhidão no rosto dele é por causa do frio.

The redness on his face is because of the cold.

Compound phrase 'por causa de'.

Passe este gel para aliviar a vermelhidão.

Apply this gel to relieve the redness.

Imperative 'passe'.

A vermelhidão apareceu depois do banho.

The redness appeared after the bath.

Time marker 'depois do'.

Sinto um pouco de calor e vejo vermelhidão.

I feel a bit of heat and I see redness.

Combining two physical sensations.

A vermelhidão é um sinal de alergia.

Redness is a sign of allergy.

Noun as a symptom.

Esta pomada é boa para a vermelhidão?

Is this ointment good for redness?

Common inquiry at a pharmacy.

A vermelhidão não dói, mas coça muito.

The redness doesn't hurt, but it itches a lot.

Contrast using 'mas'.

A vermelhidão do céu estava linda ontem.

The redness of the sky was beautiful yesterday.

Descriptive use for nature.

A vermelhidão persistente pode indicar algo mais sério.

Persistent redness can indicate something more serious.

Use of the modal verb 'pode'.

O médico receitou um colírio para reduzir a vermelhidão ocular.

The doctor prescribed eye drops to reduce ocular redness.

Specific adjective 'ocular'.

Sempre que fico nervoso, sinto uma vermelhidão subir pelo pescoço.

Whenever I get nervous, I feel a redness rise up my neck.

Temporal conjunction 'sempre que'.

A vermelhidão da pele é um efeito colateral comum deste remédio.

Skin redness is a common side effect of this medicine.

Technical term 'efeito colateral'.

Notei uma leve vermelhidão ao redor da picada de inseto.

I noticed a slight redness around the insect bite.

Prepositional phrase 'ao redor de'.

A vermelhidão diminuiu significativamente após o uso do gel.

The redness decreased significantly after using the gel.

Adverb 'significativamente'.

É importante monitorar a vermelhidão para ver se ela se espalha.

It is important to monitor the redness to see if it spreads.

Infinitive 'monitorar' and reflexive 'se espalha'.

A vermelhidão intensa é acompanhada de uma sensação de queimação.

Intense redness is accompanied by a burning sensation.

Passive construction 'é acompanhada de'.

A vermelhidão cutânea pode ser desencadeada por diversos fatores ambientais.

Skin redness can be triggered by various environmental factors.

Advanced verb 'desencadear'.

Apesar do tratamento, a vermelhidão nas bochechas não desapareceu totalmente.

Despite the treatment, the redness on the cheeks did not disappear completely.

Concessive conjunction 'apesar de'.

O paciente queixava-se de uma vermelhidão súbita e calor local.

The patient complained of sudden redness and local heat.

Pronominal verb 'queixar-se'.

A vermelhidão do pôr do sol refletia-se nas águas calmas do lago.

The redness of the sunset was reflected in the calm waters of the lake.

Reflexive verb 'refletir-se'.

Muitos cosméticos prometem neutralizar a vermelhidão do rosto instantaneamente.

Many cosmetics promise to neutralize facial redness instantly.

Adverb 'instantaneamente'.

A vermelhidão característica da escarlatina começa geralmente no tronco.

The characteristic redness of scarlet fever usually starts on the trunk.

Specific disease name 'escarlatina'.

Ao observar a vermelhidão, o enfermeiro decidiu limpar a ferida novamente.

Upon observing the redness, the nurse decided to clean the wound again.

Gerund-like 'Ao observar'.

A vermelhidão excessiva após o exercício pode ser sinal de exaustão térmica.

Excessive redness after exercise may be a sign of heat exhaustion.

Compound noun 'exaustão térmica'.

A vermelhidão, embora alarmante à primeira vista, revelou-se uma reação inofensiva.

The redness, although alarming at first sight, proved to be a harmless reaction.

Parenthetical clause with 'embora'.

A patogênese da vermelhidão envolve a dilatação dos vasos sanguíneos periféricos.

The pathogenesis of redness involves the dilation of peripheral blood vessels.

Highly technical vocabulary.

O autor utiliza a vermelhidão do horizonte como metáfora para o conflito iminente.

The author uses the redness of the horizon as a metaphor for the imminent conflict.

Literary analysis context.

A vermelhidão persistente e a descamação sugerem um quadro de dermatite seborreica.

Persistent redness and flaking suggest a case of seborrheic dermatitis.

Clinical diagnosis terminology.

É imperativo distinguir entre a vermelhidão inflamatória e o rubor fisiológico.

It is imperative to distinguish between inflammatory redness and physiological blushing.

Formal structure 'É imperativo'.

A vermelhidão resultante da exposição prolongada ao frio é conhecida como eritema pérnio.

The redness resulting from prolonged exposure to cold is known as chilblains.

Specific medical condition.

A vermelhidão dos olhos pode ser exacerbada pelo uso excessivo de telas digitais.

Eye redness can be exacerbated by excessive use of digital screens.

Advanced verb 'exacerbar'.

Sob a luz crua do meio-dia, a vermelhidão da cicatriz tornava-se ainda mais evidente.

Under the harsh midday light, the redness of the scar became even more evident.

Descriptive literary style.

A vermelhidão visceral que tingia o céu parecia um prenúncio de tempos sombrios.

The visceral redness that tinged the sky seemed a precursor to dark times.

Evocative, high-level vocabulary ('visceral', 'prenúncio').

O diagnóstico diferencial deve considerar a vermelhidão como um sintoma multifatorial.

The differential diagnosis must consider redness as a multifactorial symptom.

Academic medical discourse.

A vermelhidão difusa, associada à hiperemia, sugere uma resposta imunitária robusta.

Diffuse redness, associated with hyperemia, suggests a robust immune response.

Scientific precision.

A obra capta a vermelhidão fugaz de um rosto capturado num momento de profunda vergonha.

The work captures the fleeting redness of a face caught in a moment of deep shame.

Artistic/Critical register.

A vermelhidão subjacente à epiderme era indicativa de uma hemorragia subcutânea leve.

The redness underlying the epidermis was indicative of a mild subcutaneous hemorrhage.

Anatomical precision.

Não se deve subestimar a vermelhidão perilesional em feridas de cicatrização lenta.

One should not underestimate perilesional redness in slow-healing wounds.

Technical surgical term 'perilesional'.

A vermelhidão estendia-se em padrões irregulares, desafiando a classificação clínica imediata.

The redness extended in irregular patterns, defying immediate clinical classification.

Complex clausal structure.

A vermelhidão das brasas era o único ponto de luz naquela caverna abissal.

The redness of the embers was the only point of light in that abyssal cave.

Atmospheric literary description.

Common Collocations

notar vermelhidão

reduzir a vermelhidão

vermelhidão intensa

causar vermelhidão

vermelhidão ocular

vermelhidão cutânea

aliviar a vermelhidão

vermelhidão persistente

vermelhidão do céu

vermelhidão localizada

Common Phrases

com vermelhidão

— Having redness (usually on the skin).

Estou com vermelhidão nas mãos.

sem vermelhidão

— Without any redness.

A pele acordou limpa, sem vermelhidão.

tira a vermelhidão

— Removes the redness (colloquial).

Este colírio tira a vermelhidão na hora.

muita vermelhidão

— A lot of redness.

Havia muita vermelhidão ao redor da ferida.

pouca vermelhidão

— Little redness.

Felizmente, houve pouca vermelhidão.

sinal de vermelhidão

— Sign of redness.

Não há nenhum sinal de vermelhidão.

contra a vermelhidão

— Against/for redness (products).

Creme contra a vermelhidão facial.

vermelhidão e coceira

— Redness and itching (common pair).

A alergia causa vermelhidão e coceira.

vermelhidão e inchaço

— Redness and swelling.

O ferimento tem vermelhidão e inchaço.

evitar a vermelhidão

— To avoid redness.

Use filtro solar para evitar a vermelhidão.

Often Confused With

vermelhidão vs vermelho

Vermelho is the color (adjective), vermelhidão is the state/redness (noun).

vermelhidão vs vermelhão

Vermelhão is often used for a very intense, large red area or a specific pigment.

vermelhidão vs rubor

Rubor is specifically for blushing or a healthy glow, whereas vermelhidão is often clinical.

Idioms & Expressions

"vermelho como um pimentão"

— To be as red as a bell pepper (extremely red/embarrassed).

Ele ficou vermelho como um pimentão.

informal

"deixar alguém vermelho"

— To make someone blush/embarrassed.

A pergunta deixou-o vermelho.

neutral

"pôr-se vermelho"

— To turn red (blush).

Ela pôs-se vermelha de raiva.

neutral

"ver vermelho"

— To see red (to be very angry).

Quando ele mentiu, eu vi vermelho.

informal

"estar no vermelho"

— To be in the red (financial debt).

Minha conta bancária está no vermelho.

neutral

"lanterna vermelha"

— The last person in a race or ranking.

O meu time é a lanterna vermelha do campeonato.

informal

"tapete vermelho"

— Red carpet (special treatment).

Eles estenderam o tapete vermelho para o convidado.

neutral

"linha vermelha"

— A limit that should not be crossed.

Esta é a minha linha vermelha.

neutral

"zona vermelha"

— A dangerous or restricted area.

Não entre na zona vermelha.

neutral

"alerta vermelho"

— Red alert (maximum danger).

O hospital está em alerta vermelho.

formal

Easily Confused

vermelhidão vs Escuridão

Similar suffix.

Escuridão is darkness (from escuro), vermelhidão is redness (from vermelho).

A vermelhidão no céu acabou na escuridão da noite.

vermelhidão vs Podridão

Similar suffix.

Podridão is rot/rottenness (from podre).

A fruta tinha uma vermelhidão natural, não podridão.

vermelhidão vs Mansidão

Similar suffix.

Mansidão is meekness/gentleness (from manso).

Ele falou com mansidão sobre a vermelhidão da sua pele.

vermelhidão vs Gratidão

Similar suffix.

Gratidão is gratitude.

Sinto gratidão pelo creme que tirou a vermelhidão.

vermelhidão vs Vastidão

Similar suffix.

Vastidão is vastness.

A vermelhidão do pôr do sol cobria a vastidão do mar.

Sentence Patterns

A vermelhidão é [Adjective].

A vermelhidão é forte.

Eu tenho vermelhidão no/na [Body Part].

Eu tenho vermelhidão no braço.

O [Product] ajuda a reduzir a vermelhidão.

O creme ajuda a reduzir a vermelhidão.

A vermelhidão apareceu depois de [Verb/Noun].

A vermelhidão apareceu depois de correr.

Notei uma vermelhidão que [Relative Clause].

Notei uma vermelhidão que não para de crescer.

A vermelhidão é indicativa de [Condition].

A vermelhidão é indicativa de uma reação alérgica.

Apesar da vermelhidão subjacente, o tecido parece [Adjective].

Apesar da vermelhidão subjacente, o tecido parece saudável.

A vermelhidão visceral do [Noun] evocava [Emotion].

A vermelhidão visceral do crepúsculo evocava melancolia.

Word Family

Nouns

vermelho

vermelhão

vermelhidão

Verbs

avermelhar

envermelhecer

avermelhar-se

Adjectives

vermelho

avermelhado

rubro

rubor

eritema

escarlate

carmim

púrpura

How to Use It

frequency

Common in daily life and essential in medical contexts.

Common Mistakes

O vermelhidão → A vermelhidão
Abstract nouns ending in '-idão' are feminine.
Estou com vermelho na pele → Estou com vermelhidão na pele
Use the noun 'vermelhidão' for the condition, not the adjective 'vermelho'.
Vermelhidão ocularo → Vermelhidão ocular
The adjective 'ocular' is neutral/unisex, but 'vermelhidão' is feminine.
Vermelhidão intenso → Vermelhidão intensa
Adjectives must agree with the feminine gender of 'vermelhidão'.
Escrevendo 'vermelidão' → Escrevendo 'vermelhidão'
Don't forget the 'h' in 'lh'.

Tips

Gender Check

Always pair 'vermelhidão' with feminine adjectives. Say 'vermelhidão intensa', not 'vermelhidão intenso'.

Medical Use

If you are at a pharmacy in Brazil or Portugal, use 'vermelhidão' to describe your skin reaction; it's the most precise term.

Nasal 'ão'

Practice the 'ão' sound by humming through your nose while saying 'ah-oo'.

Poetic Touch

Use 'vermelhidão' to describe a sunset to sound more descriptive and advanced than just using 'vermelho'.

The 'lh' Sound

The 'lh' is like the 'lli' in 'million'. Don't forget the 'h' when writing it!

Sun Care

In summer, look for products that say 'alivia a vermelhidão' if you have a sunburn.

Don't confuse with 'Eritema'

While they mean the same thing, 'eritema' is what the doctor writes, 'vermelhidão' is what you say.

Suffix Power

Learning '-idão' helps you learn dozens of other Portuguese words like 'escuridão' (darkness).

Look at Labels

Check your shampoo or soap labels in Portuguese; you might see 'evita a vermelhidão' on sensitive skin products.

TV News

Listen for this word during weather forecasts when they talk about 'pôr do sol' or 'incêndios'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Vermelho' (Red) + 'Condition'. Vermelhidão is the Red-Condition. If you have a 'Vermelhidão', you are in a 'Red-Condition'.

Visual Association

Imagine a bright red sun setting over a person with a red sunburn. Both the sky and the skin have 'vermelhidão'.

Word Web

Pele Sol Alergia Olhos Inflamação Céu Creme Médico

Challenge

Try to find three items in your house that could cause 'vermelhidão' (like a spice, a rough towel, or a cleaning product) and name them in Portuguese.

Word Origin

From the Portuguese adjective 'vermelho' (red) + the suffix '-idão'. 'Vermelho' comes from the Latin 'vermiculus' (little worm), referring to the cochineal insect used to make red dye.

Original meaning: The state or quality of being red like the dye from a 'vermiculus'.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, though in a medical context, it should be used objectively to avoid causing alarm.

English speakers often just say 'it's red', but Portuguese speakers prefer the noun 'vermelhidão' for clinical or descriptive precision.

Skincare ads by brands like Natura or Boticário. Medical brochures in 'Postos de Saúde'. Poetic descriptions of the 'Sertão' in Brazilian literature.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Dermatology

vermelhidão e irritação
creme para vermelhidão
notar vermelhidão
vermelhidão após o sol

Ophthalmology

vermelhidão nos olhos
colírio para vermelhidão
causas da vermelhidão
vermelhidão ocular

Weather/Nature

vermelhidão do pôr do sol
vermelhidão do céu
vermelhidão no horizonte
nuvens com vermelhidão

Emotions

vermelhidão de vergonha
vermelhidão no rosto
subir uma vermelhidão
esconder a vermelhidão

Allergies

reação com vermelhidão
vermelhidão localizada
vermelhidão que coça
evitar vermelhidão

Conversation Starters

"Você já teve alguma vermelhidão estranha na pele depois de comer algo?"

"O que você costuma usar para aliviar a vermelhidão depois de um dia de sol?"

"Você reparou na vermelhidão incrível do céu hoje no final da tarde?"

"A vermelhidão nos olhos pode ser sinal de cansaço ou alergia, o que você acha?"

"Qual é o melhor produto para tirar a vermelhidão do rosto de manhã?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma vez que você ficou com muita vermelhidão por causa do sol. O que você fez?

Escreva sobre a vermelhidão de um pôr do sol que você nunca vai esquecer.

Como você explicaria para um médico uma vermelhidão que apareceu no seu braço?

Pense em uma emoção que causa vermelhidão no rosto. Descreva uma situação em que isso aconteceu.

Faça uma lista de coisas na natureza que apresentam uma vermelhidão natural.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is always feminine ('a vermelhidão'). Most abstract nouns ending in '-idão' are feminine in Portuguese.

Yes, it is very common to describe the reddish glow of the sky during sunset as 'a vermelhidão do pôr do sol'.

'Vermelhidão' is a general term often used for irritation or inflammation. 'Rubor' is more poetic and specifically refers to blushing or a healthy glow.

You can say 'vermelhidão nos olhos' or 'vermelhidão ocular' in a more formal or medical context.

No, while skin is the most common context, it can refer to eyes, the sky, or even the glow of hot coals.

The plural is 'vermelhidões'. The '-ão' changes to '-ões' as is typical for many Portuguese nouns.

Yes, but 'vermelhão' is more informal and can also refer to a specific pigment (vermilion) or a very intense red color.

You can say 'uma leve vermelhidão' or 'uma pequena vermelhidão'.

Yes, you can describe the redness in someone's face when they are angry: 'A vermelhidão da raiva subiu ao seu rosto'.

Yes, it is a very common B1-level word that you will see in pharmacies, doctors' offices, and news reports.