Portuguese Phrase
Não esqueça de terminar todo o tratamento com antibióticos.
Meaning
This phrase is a crucial piece of medical advice, emphasizing the importance of completing a full course of antibiotics. It means that one should not stop taking the medication even if symptoms improve, as doing so can lead to antibiotic resistance or a relapse of the infection. It's a direct instruction to ensure the treatment is fully effective.
When to use
This phrase is typically used in medical contexts, such as a doctor or pharmacist advising a patient, or when one person reminds another about their medication. It's a common and important instruction given to ensure proper health outcomes, especially when dealing with bacterial infections.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nãoesqueçadeterminartodo otratamentocomantibióticos
Não esqueça
This is the negative imperative form of the verb 'esquecer' (to forget) for 'você' (you, singular informal/formal). 'Não' precedes the verb to make it negative. It's a direct command or instruction.
de
The preposition 'de' is often used after 'esquecer' when it's followed by an infinitive verb, meaning 'to forget to do something'. It links the act of forgetting with the action that should not be forgotten.
terminar
This is the infinitive form of the verb 'terminar' (to finish/to end). It's used here after the preposition 'de' to indicate the action that should be completed.
todo o
'Todo o' means 'the entire' or 'all of the'. It emphasizes the completeness of the treatment. Note the agreement in gender and number with the noun it modifies ('tratamento' is masculine singular).
tratamento
This noun means 'treatment'. It's a common word in medical contexts. In this phrase, it refers specifically to the course of medication.
com antibióticos
'Com' means 'with'. 'Antibióticos' (antibiotics) specifies the type of treatment. This phrase clarifies that the instruction applies to antibiotic medication.
🗨In Conversation
Doutor, já me sinto melhor. Posso parar de tomar o remédio?
Doctor, I already feel better. Can I stop taking the medicine?
Não esqueça de terminar todo o tratamento com antibióticos. É muito importante para a sua recuperação completa.
Don't forget to finish the entire antibiotic treatment. It's very important for your complete recovery.
✕Common Mistakes
Não esqueça terminar todo o tratamento com antibióticos.
The verb 'esquecer' (to forget) when followed by an infinitive usually requires the preposition 'de'. So, 'esqueça de terminar' is correct.
Não se esqueça de terminar todo o tratamento com antibióticos.
While 'Não se esqueça' is also correct and very common (reflexive form), 'Não esqueça' is a valid and direct imperative, often used in more formal or instructional contexts. It's not strictly 'wrong' but a different grammatical construction.
Não esqueça de terminar o tratamento inteiro com antibióticos.
While 'inteiro' means 'entire', 'todo o' (all the/the entire) is more idiomatic and natural when referring to the complete duration or quantity of something like a treatment course.
↔Alternatives
Lembre-se de completar o tratamento com antibióticos.
Remember to complete the antibiotic treatment.
É fundamental que você termine todos os antibióticos.
It's fundamental that you finish all the antibiotics.
Certifique-se de tomar todos os seus antibióticos.
Make sure to take all your antibiotics.
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Brazil and Portugal, adherence to medical advice is highly valued. Doctors and pharmacists often explicitly state the importance of finishing antibiotic courses to combat antibiotic resistance, which is a global health concern. This phrase reflects a common and responsible health practice. It's a direct and clear instruction, leaving little room for misinterpretation, which is crucial in health-related communication.