Portuguese Phrase
O que faço com uma ferida que está sangrando?
Meaning
This phrase is a direct question asking for advice or instructions on how to handle a bleeding wound. It literally translates to 'What do I do with a wound that is bleeding?' and is used when someone needs immediate guidance on first aid.
When to use
You would use this phrase when you or someone else has a bleeding wound and you need to know the correct first aid steps. It's a practical question for seeking help or information in an urgent situation, often directed at a medical professional, a first aid provider, or someone knowledgeable.
✦Grammar Breakdown
O quefaçocomuma feridaqueestá sangrando
O que
'O que' means 'what' and is commonly used to start questions. It can also mean 'the thing that' or 'that which'.
Faço (fazer)
'Faço' is the first-person singular (eu) conjugation of the verb 'fazer' (to do/to make) in the present tense. It indicates 'I do' or 'I make'.
Com uma ferida
'Com' means 'with'. 'Uma ferida' means 'a wound'. The indefinite article 'uma' (a/an) agrees in gender and number with 'ferida' (feminine singular).
Que
'Que' is a relative pronoun here, meaning 'that' or 'which'. It connects the noun 'ferida' to the clause describing it.
Está sangrando (estar + gerund)
'Está sangrando' is the present continuous tense, formed by 'estar' (to be) conjugated in the third person singular ('está') followed by the gerund of 'sangrar' (to bleed), which is 'sangrando'. It means 'is bleeding'.
🗨In Conversation
Ai! Cortei-me. O que faço com uma ferida que está sangrando?
Ouch! I cut myself. What do I do with a wound that is bleeding?
Primeiro, pressione firmemente com um pano limpo e eleve a área. Se não parar, procure um médico.
First, press firmly with a clean cloth and elevate the area. If it doesn't stop, see a doctor.
✕Common Mistakes
O que eu faço com uma ferida que tem sangrando?
Using 'ter' (to have) instead of 'estar' (to be) with the gerund 'sangrando' is incorrect. 'Estar sangrando' is the correct continuous form for 'is bleeding'.
O que eu faço com uma ferida que sangra?
While 'que sangra' (that bleeds) is grammatically correct, 'que está sangrando' (that is bleeding) emphasizes the ongoing action, which is more natural when asking for immediate help for an active bleed.
↔Alternatives
Como paro o sangramento?
How do I stop the bleeding?
Preciso de ajuda com esta ferida.
I need help with this wound.
O que devo fazer com um corte que está sangrando?
What should I do with a cut that is bleeding?
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, when someone asks for help with a medical issue, it's common to offer practical advice or direct them to a professional. While directness is acceptable in emergencies, maintaining a polite and concerned tone is always appreciated. For serious injuries, the immediate advice would always be to seek professional medical attention.