← Back to searchWord Index →

Is the word engasgar the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No

While the core meaning of "engasgar" (to choke or gag) is identical in both Brazil and Portugal, the difference lies in grammatical usage and syntax.

In Brazilian Portuguese, it is very common to use the verb intransitively (without a reflexive pronoun) or to use "proclisis" (placing the pronoun before the verb), such as "Eu me engasguei." In casual speech, Brazilians often omit the reflexive pronoun entirely.

In Continental Portuguese, the reflexive form "engasgar-se" is the standard way to express the action. Furthermore, Portuguese speakers almost always use "enclisis" (placing the pronoun after the verb), such as "Eu engasguei-me."

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

  1. Eu me engasguei com o pedaço de carne. (I choked on the piece of meat.)
  2. Cuidado para não engasgar com esse biscoito! (Be careful not to choke on this biscuit!)
  3. O bebê engasgou com o leite. (The baby choked on the milk.)
  4. Eu sempre me engasgo quando bebo água muito rápido. (I always choke when I drink water too fast.)
  5. Ele se engasgou com o doce. (He choked on the candy.)

Continental Portuguese Examples:

  1. Eu engasguei-me com o pedamente de carne. (I choked on the piece of meat.)
  2. Tem cuidado para não te engasgares com este biscoito. (Be careful not to choke on this biscuit.)
  3. O bebé engasgou-se com o leite. (The baby choked on the milk.)
  4. Engasguei-me sempre que bebo água muito depressa. (I choke whenever I drink water too fast.)
  5. Ele engasga-se facilmente com alimentos sólidos. (He chokes easily with solid foods.)