Corrigir vs. Consertar: Correct a Mistake or Fix an Object — Practice

Use corrigir for an error, answer, or adjustment

Corrigir means correct, amend, or fix something inaccurate or in need of adjustment. Common objects include an answer, spelling mistake, document, or misunderstanding: corrigir um erro.

The verb can also mean adjust posture or a course of action. Focus on making something more accurate or appropriate rather than repairing a physical break.

Use consertar for a repair

Consertar commonly means repair or fix an object, device, or system that is damaged or not working: consertar o celular. A mechanic might consertar o carro; a technician can consertar a conexão.

The useful distinction is error versus broken thing. In careful writing, corrigir um erro and consertar um aparelho make the intended action clear.

Remember: Corrigir usually corrects an error, response, or detail. Consertar usually repairs a damaged object or system. Ask whether the problem is inaccurate or broken.

Check your understanding

Choose the English meaning of each Portuguese example. Answer before looking back at the tables. These questions check the written examples in this guide; they are not a listening or proficiency test.

Recall the Portuguese, then say it

Read the English prompt and say a Portuguese version before opening the answer. The answer shows the example from the lesson; other natural translations may also work. Compare the meaning and the situation rather than counting a different word as automatically wrong.

1. The teacher corrected my answer.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   A professora corrigiu minha resposta.

2. I need to correct a mistake on the form.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Preciso corrigir um erro no formulário.

3. He corrected his posture during the exercise.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Ele corrigiu a postura durante o exercício.

4. I’m going to take the watch to be repaired.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Vou levar o relógio para consertar.

5. The technician fixed the washing machine.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   O técnico consertou a máquina de lavar.

6. Can you correct the date and fix the printer?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Você pode corrigir a data e consertar a impressora?

Make the phrase useful to you

Choose one example you could actually use. Say it once from memory, then change one detail that fits your life, such as the person, place, time, or object. Check whether your change also needs a different verb form, article, or adjective ending. If it does, compare it with the pattern in the explanation.

Corrigir usually corrects an error, response, or detail. Consertar usually repairs a damaged object or system. Ask whether the problem is inaccurate or broken.

Return to two prompts tomorrow without opening the answers first. If a phrase still feels difficult, shorten it to a useful chunk and build the complete sentence again.

Sources and your next lesson

This I Speak Portuguese practice guide builds on our Corrigir vs. Consertar: Correct a Mistake or Fix an Object? lesson on Real Life Portuguese, with written recall tasks and additional speaking practice. The explanations and examples are teaching material; the practice questions are exercises, not a transcript of a recording.

To add Brazilian audio to your routine, choose a lesson in the Real Life Portuguese app. The app offers its own lessons and practice; this page does not imply that every example here has an app recording.