Essential Portuguese Medical Travel Phrases for Solo Travelers

Portuguese is spoken in Portugal, Brazil, and several countries across Africa and Asia. For solo travelers, knowing essential Portuguese medical and emergency phrases can help you get assistance quickly, explain symptoms clearly, and communicate effectively during urgent or stressful situations.

🩺 Medical Emergencies (Immediate Help)

Help!
Socorro!
(soh-KOH-roh)

It’s an emergency
É uma emergência
(eh OO-mah eh-mehr-ZHEHN-syah)

I need help immediately
Preciso de ajuda imediatamente
(preh-SEE-zoo jeh ah-ZHOO-dah ee-meh-dee-ah-tah-MEHN-chee)

Call an ambulance
Chame uma ambulância
(SHAH-mee OO-mah ahm-boo-LAHN-syah)

I need a doctor
Preciso de um médico
(preh-SEE-zoo jeh oom MEH-dee-koh)

🏥 Doctors, Hospitals, and Clinics

Where is the nearest hospital?
Onde fica o hospital mais próximo?
(OHN-jee FEE-kah oo ohs-pee-TAHL mys PROH-see-moo)

Is there a clinic nearby?
Há uma clínica aqui perto?
(ah OO-mah KLEE-nee-kah ah-KEE PEHR-too)

I need to see a doctor
Preciso consultar um médico
(preh-SEE-zoo kohn-sool-TAHR oom MEH-dee-koh)

Do you speak English?
Você fala inglês?
(voh-SEH FAH-lah een-GLEHS)

🤕 Symptoms and Pain

I feel sick
Estou me sentindo mal
(ehs-TOH mee sen-TEEHN-doo MAHL)

I’m in pain
Estou com dor
(ehs-TOH kohn DOHR)

It hurts here
Dói aqui
(DOY ah-KEE)

I have a fever
Estou com febre
(ehs-TOH kohn FEH-breh)

I feel dizzy
Estou tonto/a
(ehs-TOH TOHN-too/tah)

I have trouble breathing
Tenho dificuldade para respirar
(TEHN-yoo jee-fee-kool-DAH-jee pah-rah reh-speeh-RAHR)

💊 Medications and Allergies

I am allergic to [substance]
Sou alérgico/a a [substância]
(soh ah-LEHR-zhee-koh/kah ah…)

I need my medication
Preciso do meu medicamento
(preh-SEE-zoo doo MEH-oo meh-dee-kah-MEHN-too)

Do you have something for pain?
Tem algo para dor?
(tehng AHL-goo pah-rah DOHR)

I need a pharmacy
Preciso de uma farmácia
(preh-SEE-zoo jeh OO-mah fahr-MAH-syah)

🚑 Accidents and Injuries

I fell down
Eu caí
(eh-OO kah-EE)

I’m bleeding
Estou sangrando
(ehs-TOH sahn-GRAHN-doo)

I burned myself
Eu me queimei
(eh-OO mee keh-MAY)

I think it’s broken
Acho que está quebrado
(AH-shoo kee ehs-TAH keh-BRAH-doo)

🧠 Mental Health & Distress

I’m feeling very anxious
Estou muito ansioso/a
(ehs-TOH MOO-ee-too ahn-ZYOH-zoo/zah)

I’m having a panic attack
Estou tendo um ataque de pânico
(ehs-TOH TEHN-doo oom ah-TAH-kee jee PAH-nee-koo)

I need to calm down
Preciso me acalmar
(preh-SEE-zoo mee ah-kahl-MAHR)

🗂️ Medical History & Documents

I have a medical condition
Tenho uma condição médica
(TEHN-yoo OO-mah kohn-dee-SYOHNG MEH-dee-kah)

I have travel insurance
Tenho seguro de viagem
(TEHN-yoo seh-GOO-roo jee vee-AH-zhehm)

Here is my prescription
Aqui está minha receita
(ah-KEE ehs-TAH MEEN-yah reh-SEH-tah)

🧾 Helpful Tip for Solo Travelers

📌 Save this page offline or take screenshots before traveling.
📌 Carry a translated list of allergies and medications in your wallet.
📌 In emergencies, show the phrase on your phone if pronunciation is difficult — it’s completely acceptable and often faster.

Disclaimer: This content is for travel communication only and does not replace professional medical advice or emergency services. In serious situations, seek immediate medical help.