Portuguese Phrase
Meus sintomas estão piorando.
Meaning
This phrase is used to communicate a decline in health or the progression of an illness. It uses the present continuous construction to indicate that the deterioration is happening currently or has been consistent lately. It is a direct way to express medical concern.
When to use
Use this phrase when speaking to a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse, to describe your condition. It is also suitable for updating family members or friends if your health has taken a turn for the worse.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Meussintomasestãopiorando
Meus (Possessive)
The masculine plural possessive pronoun 'meus' must agree with the masculine plural noun 'sintomas'.
Estão (Estar)
The verb 'estar' is used here because health status is considered a temporary state.
Piorando (Gerund)
The suffix '-ando' creates the gerund form of the verb 'piorar', indicating an ongoing action or process.
🗨In Conversation
Como você está se sentindo hoje?
How are you feeling today?
Infelizmente, meus sintomas estão piorando.
Unfortunately, my symptoms are getting worse.
✕Common Mistakes
Meus sintomas são piorando.
Use the verb 'estar' (estão) for temporary states like health conditions, rather than 'ser' (são).
Meus sintomas estão melhorando.
'Melhorando' means getting better; ensure you use 'piorando' to indicate a negative progression.
↔Alternatives
Estou me sentindo pior.
I am feeling worse.
Meu estado agravou-se.
My condition has worsened.
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, being specific about health changes is important when seeking medical help. While social conversations about health can be brief, using the verb 'piorar' clearly signals to a professional that immediate attention or a change in treatment may be necessary.