Portuguese Phrase
Como ajudar alguém que está engasgado?
Meaning
This question asks for the steps or techniques to assist a person who is choking. It is commonly used when someone needs immediate first‑aid instructions.
When to use
Use this phrase in emergency or first‑aid contexts, such as when you witness someone unable to breathe because something is stuck in their throat, or when you are discussing choking‑prevention in a health‑class setting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Comoajudaralguémqueestáengasgado?
Como (How)
Used at the beginning of a question to ask about the manner or method of doing something.
ajudar + infinitive
The verb 'ajudar' is followed directly by another verb in the infinitive to indicate the action being helped with.
que + estar + participle
A relative clause where 'que' introduces a description; 'está' + past participle (engasgado) works like an adjective meaning 'who is choking'.
engasgado (participle as adjective)
The past participle of 'engasgar' used as an adjective to describe a person who is choking.
🗨In Conversation
Como ajudar alguém que está engasgado?
How do you help someone who is choking?
Primeiro, pergunte se a pessoa consegue falar ou tossir. Se não, faça a manobra de Heimlich: fique atrás, envolva os braços e dê compressões rápidas para cima.
First, ask if the person can speak or cough. If not, perform the Heimlich maneuver: stand behind them, wrap your arms around, and give quick upward thrusts.
✕Common Mistakes
Como ajudar alguém que está engasgo?
Avoid using the noun form *engasgo* here; the adjective *engasgado* correctly describes the person.
Como ajudar alguém que está engasgar?
The verb *engasgar* must be conjugated; use the participle *engasgado* after *está*.
Como eu ajudo alguém que está engasgado?
While not grammatically wrong, the original phrasing without the pronoun sounds more natural in Portuguese.
↔Alternatives
O que fazer quando alguém está engasgado?
What to do when someone is choking?
Como socorrer uma pessoa que está engasgada?
How to rescue a person who is choking?
Quais são os passos para desengasgar alguém?
What are the steps to unchoke someone?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, the most taught method for a choking adult is the Heimlich maneuver (manobra de Heimlich). For children under one year, back blows and chest thrusts are recommended. Always call SAMU (192) if the person does not recover quickly. First‑aid courses are common in schools and workplaces, so many Brazilians recognize the phrase 'está engasgado' as an emergency.