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Portuguese Phrase

Você já sentiu isso antes?

/voˈse ʒa sẽˈtʃiw ˈi.su ˈɐ̃.tʃis/
Meaning"Have you felt this before?"
💡

Meaning

This phrase is a direct inquiry into someone's past experiences with a specific sensation or emotion. The inclusion of 'já' functions similarly to 'ever' or 'already' in English, placing the action in the past perfective context.

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When to use

Commonly used in medical contexts to discuss symptoms or in personal conversations when sharing emotional states or intuitions.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Vocêjásentiuissoantes

1

Já

This adverb is used to indicate 'already' or 'ever' when asking about past life experiences.

2

Sentiu

The third-person singular past tense of 'sentir'. In Brazil, 'você' uses the same conjugation as 'he' or 'she'.

🗨In Conversation

A

Sinto um aperto no peito.

I feel a tightness in my chest.

Você já sentiu isso antes?

Have you felt this before?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Você já sente isso antes?

    The verb must be in the past tense 'sentiu' because 'antes' and 'já' refer to a previous experience.

  • Você já sentiu este antes?

    Use 'isso' for an abstract 'this' or an unspecified feeling; 'este' usually requires a noun to follow it.

↔Alternatives

  • Já passou por isso?

    Have you gone through this?

  • Você já teve essa sensação?

    Have you had this sensation?

pt

Cultural Tip

Brazilians are generally expressive about feelings and physical health. Asking this question often signals empathy and a desire to understand the other person's history or comfort level.