Portuguese Phrase
Quais os efeitos colaterais?
Meaning
This question asks for the side effects of a medication, treatment, or any product that may cause unintended reactions. It is a direct way to request information about possible adverse effects.
When to use
Use this phrase when speaking with a doctor, pharmacist, or reading a medication leaflet. It is also handy in a pharmacy, during a medical consultation, or when discussing supplements with a health professional.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quaisosefeitoscolaterais?
Quais (interrogative adjective)
Used with plural nouns to ask 'which' or 'what', and agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
Definite article 'os'
Plural masculine article that matches the noun 'efeitos'.
Noun phrase order
In Portuguese, adjectives like 'colaterais' usually follow the noun, forming 'efeitos colaterais'.
Verb omission
The verb 'são' (are) is often omitted in questions, making the phrase more concise.
🗨In Conversation
Quais os efeitos colaterais?
What are the side effects?
Os efeitos colaterais mais comuns são náuseas, dor de cabeça e tontura.
The most common side effects are nausea, headache, and dizziness.
✕Common Mistakes
Qual os efeitos colaterais?
Use 'Quais' for plural nouns; 'Qual' is singular.
Quais são os efeitos colaterais?
Placing the verb before the noun changes the structure; the concise form omits 'são'.
Quais os efeitos laterais?
Do not translate directly as 'efeitos laterais'; the correct term is 'efeitos colaterais'.
↔Alternatives
Quais são os efeitos colaterais?
What are the side effects?
Que efeitos colaterais tem?
What side effects does it have?
Pode me dizer os efeitos colaterais?
Can you tell me the side effects?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, it is considered courteous to ask about side effects before starting any medication. Health professionals expect this question and will usually explain both common and rare reactions. When speaking to a doctor, you can add a polite prefix like 'Desculpe, mas...' to soften the request.