Descrição vs. Discrição: Description or Discretion — Practice
A guided practice lesson with English explanations, Brazilian Portuguese examples, and answers you can check. Read the examples, recall the meaning, then say a version of your own.
Use descrição for an account of something
Descrição with e refers to the act or result of describing a person, place, object, or event. It can be a written description, a spoken account, or the information field on a form. The related verb is descrever.
Use descrição when you are explaining characteristics or details. Adding a subject after de makes the topic explicit: descrição do produto, descrição da cena.
| Brazilian Portuguese | English meaning |
|---|---|
| A descrição do apartamento menciona uma varanda grande. | The apartment description mentions a large balcony. |
| Faça uma descrição breve do lugar. | Write a brief description of the place. |
| A testemunha deu uma descrição da roupa. | The witness gave a description of the clothing. |
Use discrição for tact and privacy
Discrição with i means discretion, tact, or a preference for privacy. A discreet person handles information carefully or avoids drawing unnecessary attention. The related adjective is discreto or discreta.
A memory cue is that discrição concerns discretion in how one acts; descrição is connected to describing something. The words are similar in sound but have different meanings.
| Brazilian Portuguese | English meaning |
|---|---|
| Peço discrição ao tratar desse assunto. | I ask for discretion when handling this matter. |
| Ela resolveu o problema com discrição. | She handled the problem discreetly. |
| O relatório contém uma descrição detalhada dos fatos. | The report contains a detailed description of the facts. |
Remember: Descrição is an account of details; discrição is tact, restraint, or privacy.
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.
The apartment description mentions a large balcony.
Show a Portuguese answer
A descrição do apartamento menciona uma varanda grande.
Write a brief description of the place.
Show a Portuguese answer
Faça uma descrição breve do lugar.
The witness gave a description of the clothing.
Show a Portuguese answer
A testemunha deu uma descrição da roupa.
I ask for discretion when handling this matter.
Show a Portuguese answer
Peço discrição ao tratar desse assunto.
She handled the problem discreetly.
Show a Portuguese answer
Ela resolveu o problema com discrição.
The report contains a detailed description of the facts.
Show a Portuguese answer
O relatório contém uma descrição detalhada dos fatos.
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.
Descrição is an account of details; discrição is tact, restraint, or privacy.
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 Descrição vs. Discrição: Description or Discretion? 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.
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