Portuguese Phrase
Me explica exatamente quais sintomas você observa.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct and emphatic request for detailed information about symptoms. The word "exatamente" (exactly) highlights the need for precision, while "você observa" (you observe) focuses on the speaker's personal perception and findings. It's used when a thorough and accurate description is crucial.
When to use
This phrase is commonly used in professional settings, such as a doctor asking a patient to describe their ailments, a mechanic inquiring about car issues, or a technician troubleshooting a problem. It's suitable whenever you need someone to provide a precise and comprehensive account of what they are noticing or experiencing.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Meexplicaexatamentequaissintomasvocêobserva
Me (Object Pronoun)
In Brazilian Portuguese, object pronouns like 'me' typically precede the verb in affirmative imperatives, unlike European Portuguese where they often follow.
Explica (Imperative)
This is the informal imperative form of 'explicar' (to explain) for 'você' or 'tu'. It's a direct command or request.
Exatamente (Adverb)
The adverb 'exatamente' means 'exactly' or 'precisely', emphasizing the need for detailed and accurate information.
Quais (Interrogative Pronoun)
'Quais' means 'which' or 'what' (plural) and is used to ask about a specific selection from a group, in this case, symptoms.
Você (Subject Pronoun)
'Você' is the most common second-person singular pronoun in Brazil, used for both formal and informal address, replacing 'tu' in many regions.
Observa (Verb Conjugation)
This is the third-person singular present indicative form of 'observar' (to observe), conjugated for 'você'.
🗨In Conversation
Doutor, não estou me sentindo bem.
Doctor, I'm not feeling well.
Me explica exatamente quais sintomas você observa.
Explain to me exactly which symptoms you observe.
✕Common Mistakes
Explica-me exatamente quais sintomas você observa.
In Brazilian Portuguese, object pronouns like 'me' generally precede the verb in affirmative imperatives. 'Explica-me' is more typical of European Portuguese.
Me explica exatamente que sintomas você observa.
While 'que' can sometimes be used, 'quais' (which/what - plural) is more precise when referring to a selection from a group of symptoms.
Me explica exatamente quais sintomas você sente.
While 'sente' (feels) is often used for personal symptoms, 'observa' (observes) implies a more analytical or detached description, which might be preferred in a professional context where a precise account of visible or noticeable signs is needed.
↔Alternatives
Pode me dizer quais sintomas você tem?
Can you tell me which symptoms you have?
Quais sintomas você está sentindo?
Which symptoms are you feeling?
Descreva os sintomas que você nota.
Describe the symptoms you notice.
Cultural Tip
In Brazilian Portuguese, direct commands like 'Me explica' are common and generally not considered rude, especially in contexts where clarity and efficiency are important, such as medical consultations. However, adding 'por favor' (please) can always soften the tone. The use of 'você' is standard for addressing adults in most parts of Brazil, maintaining a respectful yet approachable distance.