Em Resumo vs. Resumindo: Summarize an Idea in Portuguese — Practice

Use em resumo to introduce a concise recap

Em resumo means in summary or in short. It signals that you are pulling together the main points rather than adding a new argument. It works in a presentation, email, or conversation.

Follow it with the central decision, finding, or request. If you need to preserve an important condition, include that too.

Use resumindo as a conversational transition

Resumindo is the gerund form of resumir and works like to sum up. It often introduces a direct, compact restatement of a longer explanation.

The two phrases overlap in meaning. Resumindo can sound more conversational; em resumo often reads like a clear signpost in structured writing.

Keep the summary faithful to the discussion

A useful recap names what was decided, what remains open, and who will take the next step. Avoid introducing a conclusion that the group did not agree on.

You can use em uma frase (in one sentence) when you want to challenge yourself to be especially concise.

Remember: Use em resumo or resumindo to recap the main point, and keep the recap accurate to what was actually discussed.

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. In summary, we need to choose the date and confirm the location.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Em resumo, precisamos escolher a data e confirmar o local.

2. In short, the project is ready, but final approval is still needed.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Em resumo, o projeto está pronto, mas falta a aprovação final.

3. To sum up, each person is responsible for one stage.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Resumindo, cada pessoa fica responsável por uma etapa.

4. To sum up the conversation: we will test the idea before deciding.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Resumindo a conversa: vamos testar a ideia antes de decidir.

5. In summary, the decision is pending until we receive the estimate.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Em resumo, a decisão está pendente até recebermos o orçamento.

6. To sum up, I'll prepare the draft and you will review it tomorrow.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Resumindo, eu preparo o rascunho e você revisa amanhã.

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.

Use em resumo or resumindo to recap the main point, and keep the recap accurate to what was actually discussed.

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 Em Resumo vs. Resumindo: Summarize an Idea in Portuguese 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.