Resfriado vs. constipação
While both resfriado and constipação translate to the common cold, their usage depends entirely on geography. Resfriado is the standard term in Brazil, whereas constipação is the standard term in Portugal. Confusing them can lead to embarrassing misunderstandings, particularly in Brazil.
Resfriado
A2This word is primarily used in Brazilian Portuguese to describe a common cold, characterized by a runny nose, sneezing, and mild fatigue. It is distinct from the flu (gripe), which is more severe. In Portugal, this word exists but usually refers to the specific sensation of feeling cold or a very mild chill rather than the infection itself.
Eu peguei um resfriado por causa da mudança de temperatura.
(I caught a cold because of the temperature change.)
Não se preocupe, é apenas um resfriado simples.
(Do not worry, it is just a simple cold.)
Meu nariz está escorrendo por causa do resfriado.
(My nose is running because of the cold.)
Vou ficar em casa hoje para curar este resfriado.
(I will stay home today to cure this cold.)
O médico disse que um resfriado dura cerca de uma semana.
(The doctor said a cold lasts about a week.)
Constipação
A2In European Portuguese, this is the most common word for a cold or a stuffed nose due to a respiratory infection. However, in Brazilian Portuguese, constipação is strictly a medical term for intestinal constipation (difficulty with bowel movements). Therefore, using this word in Brazil to describe a runny nose can cause confusion.
Estou com uma constipação forte e preciso de lenços.
(I have a bad cold and I need tissues.)
No inverno em Lisboa, muita gente apanha uma constipação.
(In winter in Lisbon, many people catch a cold.)
A constipação deixou-me com dores de garganta.
(The cold left me with a sore throat.)
Fui à farmácia comprar um medicamento para a constipação.
(I went to the pharmacy to buy medicine for the cold.)
Sinto-me muito cansado devido a esta constipação.
(I feel very tired due to this cold.)
Summary
Use resfriado when speaking to Brazilians to say you are sick with a cold. Use constipação when speaking to Portuguese people to describe the same respiratory illness. Never use constipação in Brazil to talk about a cold, or people will think you have digestive issues.