Portuguese Phrase
Quero me manter saudável.
Meaning
This phrase expresses a personal goal or intention regarding one's physical or mental well-being. It combines the verb 'querer' (to want) with the reflexive construction 'manter-se' (to keep oneself) to describe the act of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing fitness goals, dietary choices, or general lifestyle changes. It is perfect for New Year's resolutions or explaining why you are choosing a salad over a burger.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Queromemantersaudável
Querer
The verb 'querer' is in the first-person singular present tense, meaning 'I want'.
Reflexive Pronoun (me)
The pronoun 'me' is used here with 'manter' because the action of maintaining health is directed back at the speaker.
Saudável
This is an adjective that ends in -el; in Portuguese, many adjectives ending in -el change to -eis in the plural (saudáveis).
🗨In Conversation
Você quer uma fatia de bolo?
Do you want a slice of cake?
Não, obrigado. Quero me manter saudável.
No, thanks. I want to stay healthy.
✕Common Mistakes
Quero manter saudável.
The verb must be reflexive; you need the pronoun 'me' to indicate you are keeping yourself healthy.
Quero me manter saúde.
Use the adjective 'saudável' (healthy) to describe your state, rather than the noun 'saúde' (health).
↔Alternatives
Quero ser saudável.
I want to be healthy.
Quero ficar em forma.
I want to get/stay in shape.
Busco um estilo de vida mais saudável.
I am looking for a healthier lifestyle.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, there is a strong culture of outdoor exercise and 'geração saúde' (health generation). People often discuss their 'dietas' and 'treinos' (workouts) openly, making this phrase very common in social settings and gyms.