Portuguese Phrase
É uma dor aguda que lateja.
Meaning
The sentence means ‘It is a sharp, throbbing pain.’ It is typically used to describe a pain that is both intense (aguda) and pulsating (lateja), such as a migraine or a toothache.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to explain the character of a pain to a doctor, a friend, or anyone asking about your condition. It works well in medical contexts, but can also appear in everyday conversation when describing a sudden, intense ache.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Éumadoragudaquelateja
É (ser)
Third‑person singular present of the verb *ser*, used for permanent or defining statements.
uma (indefinite article)
Feminine singular indefinite article, agrees with the noun *dor*.
dor (noun)
Feminine noun meaning ‘pain’; adjectives must match its gender and number.
aguda (adjective)
Feminine singular form of *agudo*, meaning ‘sharp, acute’; it agrees with *dor*.
que (relative pronoun)
Introduces a relative clause that describes the noun (*dor*).
lateja (verb)
Third‑person singular present of *latejar* ‘to throb, to pulsate’; the verb agrees with the subject *dor*.
🗨In Conversation
Como está a sua dor?
How is your pain?
É uma dor aguda que lateja.
It’s a sharp, throbbing pain.
✕Common Mistakes
É uma dor agudo que lateja.
The adjective must agree with the feminine noun *dor*; use *aguda*.
É um dor aguda que lateja.
The article must match the gender of *dor*; use *uma*.
É uma dor aguda que latejo.
Use the verb *lateja* for ‘it throbs’; *latejo* is a noun meaning ‘throbbing’ and does not fit the sentence structure.
↔Alternatives
É uma dor forte que pulsa.
It’s a strong pain that pulses.
É uma dor intensa que lateja.
It’s an intense pain that throbs.
É uma dor aguda e pulsante.
It’s a sharp and pulsating pain.
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese medical language, *dor aguda* refers to a pain that started recently and is usually intense, while *dor crônica* describes a long‑lasting, persistent ache. The verb *latejar* is common in clinical descriptions but can sound a bit formal in casual conversation; people often say *lateja* or *pulsar* when talking with friends.

