Portuguese Phrase
Pergunta sobre possíveis efeitos colaterais.
Meaning
The sentence means ‘Ask about possible side effects.’ It is a direct instruction to inquire about any adverse reactions that might occur, typically in a medical or product‑safety context.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are speaking with a doctor, pharmacist, or customer‑service representative and want to know what negative reactions could arise from a medication, supplement, or new product. It is also handy in online forums or reviews where users discuss safety.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Perguntasobrepossíveisefeitoscolaterais.
Imperative verb (2nd person singular)
‘Pergunta’ is the informal imperative form of ‘perguntar’, used when speaking to one person you address with ‘tu’ or in informal contexts.
Preposition ‘sobre’
‘Sobre’ means ‘about’ or ‘concerning’ and introduces the topic of the question.
Adjective agreement
‘Possíveis’ is a plural adjective that must agree in gender and number with the noun ‘efeitos’.
Compound noun ‘efeitos colaterais’
‘Efeitos colaterais’ is a fixed expression meaning ‘side effects’; both words stay in the plural when referring to more than one effect.
🗨In Conversation
Você tem alguma dúvida sobre o remédio?
Do you have any questions about the medication?
Sim, pergunto sobre possíveis efeitos colaterais.
Yes, I’m asking about possible side effects.
✕Common Mistakes
Pergunte sobre possíveis efeitos colaterais.
‘Pergunte’ is the formal or plural imperative; using it in an informal one‑to‑one conversation can sound overly stiff.
Pergunta sobre possível efeitos colaterais.
The adjective must agree with the plural noun ‘efeitos’; ‘possível’ (singular) is incorrect here.
Pergunta sobre possíveis efeitos laterais.
Do not translate it literally as ‘effects side’; keep the fixed expression ‘efeitos colaterais’.
↔Alternatives
Questione os possíveis efeitos colaterais.
Question the possible side effects.
Indague sobre os efeitos colaterais potenciais.
Inquire about the potential side effects.
Peça informações sobre efeitos colaterais.
Ask for information about side effects.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil and Portugal it is considered courteous to ask explicitly about side effects, especially with a healthcare professional. In more formal settings (e.g., speaking to a doctor), you might use the formal imperative ‘Pergunte’ or the polite construction ‘Poderia me informar sobre…’. The informal ‘Pergunta’ works well with friends, family, or in casual online chats.