At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic use of 'digitalizar'. Think of it as a simple action you do with a machine. You might not use the word yourself often, but you will see it on buttons in apps or on a printer/scanner. At this stage, just remember that 'digitalizar' means 'to put a paper into the computer'. You can use it in very simple sentences like 'Eu digitalizo o papel' (I scan the paper) or 'Você pode digitalizar?' (Can you scan?). It is a long word, but since it is regular, you can easily conjugate it in the present tense: eu digitalizo, você digitaliza, nós digitalizamos. Don't worry about complex contexts yet; just think of it as a synonym for 'copying to the computer'. Focus on the connection between the physical object and the digital result.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'digitalizar' to talk about your daily routines or work tasks. You might explain that you need to scan a document for your boss or for a school project. You should be able to use it in the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito) to say you finished a task: 'Ontem, eu digitalizei todos os documentos' (Yesterday, I scanned all the documents). You can also use it with 'precisar de' or 'ter que': 'Eu tenho que digitalizar meu passaporte' (I have to scan my passport). At this level, you should also recognize the noun form 'digitalização' (scanning/digitization) and understand basic instructions like 'Digitalize e envie por e-mail'. You are beginning to see the word in broader contexts, like scanning a QR code or a photo to share with friends.
At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'digitalizar' in more professional and varied contexts. You can discuss the benefits of digitization, such as saving space or protecting the environment. You should be comfortable using the word in different tenses, including the future and the conditional: 'Se eu tivesse um scanner, eu digitalizaria estas fotos' (If I had a scanner, I would scan these photos). You also start to understand the difference between 'digitalizar' and 'escanear', choosing the former for more formal situations. This is the level where you might talk about 'digitalizar processos' (digitizing processes) in a company. You can also handle the passive voice: 'Os arquivos foram digitalizados' (The files were digitized). Your vocabulary is expanding to include related terms like 'resolução' (resolution) and 'formato de arquivo' (file format).
At the B2 level, you can use 'digitalizar' to discuss abstract concepts like 'digitalização da sociedade' or 'governo digital'. You can express opinions about the digital transformation of the world. Your grammar should be precise, correctly using the subjunctive mood to express doubts, wishes, or hypothetical situations: 'É importante que a empresa digitalize seus registros o quanto antes' (It is important that the company digitizes its records as soon as possible). You can also use the word in more complex sentence structures, including relative clauses and advanced conjunctions. You understand the nuances of the word in different Lusophone countries and can switch between 'digitalizar' and its synonyms depending on the audience. You might also use it in a metaphorical sense, referring to the way technology 'digitizes' our social interactions.
At the C1 level, you use 'digitalizar' with full fluency and precision. You can participate in technical discussions about data preservation, digital archiving, and the transition from analogue to digital systems. You are aware of the legal implications of 'documentos digitalizados' versus original physical documents in different jurisdictions. You can write formal reports or academic papers using the term and its derivatives (digitalização, digitalizado, digitalizador) with perfect accuracy. You understand the historical context of the word and can use it to describe large-scale societal shifts. Your use of the word is no longer just about the physical act of scanning but about the systematic conversion of information into digital assets. You can also use it in highly formal or literary contexts if necessary, though it remains primarily a functional and technical term.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'digitalizar'. You can use it to discuss the finest points of information theory or the philosophy of the digital age. You can effortlessly weave the word into complex arguments about the 'digitalization of human experience' or the 'ontological shift from the physical to the digital'. You are capable of using the word in any register, from extremely technical to poetically metaphorical. You can debate the ethics of digitalizing private information or the cultural impact of digitalizing lost languages. Your understanding of the word includes its etymological roots and its evolution within the Portuguese language compared to other Romance languages. You can also use rare or highly specialized derivatives and related terms with ease, and you can teach others the subtle differences in usage and connotation.

digitalizar in 30 Sekunden

  • Digitalizar means to convert physical items into digital data.
  • It is a regular -ar verb used in professional and personal contexts.
  • Commonly used for scanning documents, photos, and historical records.
  • Do not confuse it with 'digitar', which means to type on a keyboard.

The Portuguese verb digitalizar is a fundamental term in the modern technological landscape, primarily referring to the process of converting physical information—be it text, images, or sound—into a digital format that can be processed by a computer. In a literal sense, it is the bridge between the tangible world of paper and ink and the intangible world of bits and bytes. While English speakers might use 'to scan' for the physical act, digitalizar encompasses both the physical scanning and the broader conceptual transformation of data into digital systems.

Professional Context
In office environments, this word is ubiquitous. Whether you are dealing with contracts, invoices, or identification documents, the instruction to 'digitalizar o documento' is the standard way to ask someone to create a PDF or image file from a hard copy. It implies a sense of organization and modernization, moving away from bulky physical filing cabinets toward streamlined cloud storage solutions.

Por favor, você poderia digitalizar estas faturas e enviá-las por e-mail para o setor financeiro ainda hoje?

Historical and Academic Context
Beyond the daily grind, the word carries significant weight in the preservation of culture. Libraries and museums in Lusophone countries frequently engage in projects to 'digitalizar acervos históricos.' This ensures that fragile manuscripts from the 17th century or old photographs from the early 20th century are preserved for eternity and made accessible to researchers worldwide without the risk of damaging the original artifacts.

A Biblioteca Nacional decidiu digitalizar toda a coleção de jornais do século XIX para facilitar o acesso público.

In everyday life, you might use this word when talking about your personal photos. If you have a box of old family pictures, you might spend a weekend 'digitalizando fotos antigas' to share them on social media or save them on a hard drive. It conveys a sense of transitioning from the old world to the new. In the business world, 'digitalizar processos' refers to the digital transformation of a company's workflow, moving from manual, paper-based steps to automated, software-driven ones.

Muitas empresas estão tentando digitalizar seus fluxos de trabalho para aumentar a eficiência e reduzir o desperdício de papel.

Technical Nuance
Technically, the word describes the conversion of continuous signals (analogue) into discrete values (digital). This applies not just to paper, but to sound (digitalizing vinyl records) and video (digitalizing VHS tapes). Whenever you take something from the physical, continuous realm and turn it into code, you are digitalizing it.

Eu comprei um equipamento especial para digitalizar meus discos de vinil e ouvi-los no meu celular.

O governo quer digitalizar todos os serviços públicos para que o cidadão não precise sair de casa.

Using digitalizar correctly requires understanding its role as a regular '-ar' verb. It follows the standard conjugation patterns of the first conjugation in Portuguese, making it relatively straightforward once you master the root 'digitaliz-'. Whether you are talking about a past action, a current necessity, or a future project, the verb adapts predictably.

Direct Object Usage
Digitalizar is a transitive verb, meaning it almost always takes a direct object—the thing being scanned. You digitalize 'something'. Common objects include 'documentos', 'fotos', 'arquivos', 'recibos', and 'livros'. You don't need a preposition between the verb and the object.

Ela digitalizou o contrato assinado ontem à tarde.

Imperative and Instructions
In a workplace, you will often hear this in the imperative mood. Depending on the level of formality and the region (Brazil vs. Portugal), you might use 'digitalize' (você) or 'digitaliza' (tu). It is often paired with adverbs like 'rapidamente' or 'cuidadosamente'.

Digitalize estes papéis com uma resolução alta, por favor.

The verb also works well in the passive voice, especially in technical reports or news articles. 'Os documentos foram digitalizados' (The documents were digitized) shifts the focus from who did it to the fact that the task is complete. This is very common in legal and bureaucratic writing where the actor is less important than the status of the records.

Todo o histórico médico do paciente já foi digitalizado no novo sistema do hospital.

Future Intent and Necessity
Using the periphrastic future (ir + infinitive) is the most common way to express intent in spoken Portuguese. 'Vou digitalizar' is more natural than the synthetic future 'digitalizarei' in 99% of conversations.

Nós vamos digitalizar as notas fiscais assim que o scanner for consertado.

Se você digitalizasse seus livros, teria muito mais espaço na estante.

Finally, consider the reflexive or pronominal use, though rare, in contexts like 'a empresa se digitalizou' (the company digitized itself/went digital). This implies a holistic change in the company's nature, not just scanning a few papers. It suggests an evolution into a digital-first entity.

If you are spending time in a Portuguese-speaking country, digitalizar will pop up in various specific environments. It is not a word you use to describe your feelings or the weather, but rather a functional word tied to productivity and modern life. Understanding these settings will help you recognize it instantly.

Government Offices (Cartórios and Repartições)
In Brazil, 'Cartórios' (notary offices) are famous for their paperwork. However, there is a massive push to 'digitalizar' all records. If you are applying for a visa or buying property, the clerk might say: 'Preciso digitalizar seu RG' (I need to scan your ID). In Portugal, you'll hear this at the 'Loja do Cidadão' when handling administrative tasks.

O funcionário do cartório disse que levaria dez minutos para digitalizar todos os documentos do processo.

The Corporate Office
This is the most common place. From the intern to the CEO, everyone talks about 'digitalizar'. It’s often used in the context of 'paperless' initiatives. You might hear it in a meeting: 'Nosso objetivo para este semestre é digitalizar todo o arquivo morto' (Our goal for this semester is to digitize the entire dead file/archives).

A secretária está ocupada digitalizando os relatórios da conferência.

Academic settings are another hotspot. Students often 'digitalizam' pages from textbooks they cannot afford to buy or that are out of print. Universities also 'digitalizam' theses and dissertations to put them in online repositories. If you visit a university library, you will likely see signs near the copy machines explaining how to 'digitalizar para PDF'.

Os alunos podem digitalizar até vinte por cento do livro de acordo com as normas da biblioteca.

News and Media
Journalists use the term when discussing the 'digitalization of the economy' (digitalização da economia) or how the government is 'digitalizando' services to fight corruption and bureaucracy. It carries a connotation of progress and modernity in these reports.

O telejornal informou que o banco central pretende digitalizar totalmente a moeda nacional nos próximos anos.

Para economizar tempo, é melhor digitalizar o comprovante de residência e enviá-lo pelo aplicativo.

Even though digitalizar seems like a straightforward cognate, English speakers and even native speakers make specific errors. Avoiding these will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and professional.

The 'Digitar' vs. 'Digitalizar' Confusion
This is the number one mistake. 'Digitar' means to type (from 'dígito' - finger/digit). 'Digitalizar' means to scan/digitize. If you say 'Eu vou digitar o documento' when you mean you are going to put it in a scanner, people will expect to see you sitting at a keyboard re-writing the whole thing.

Errado: Eu preciso digitar esta foto antiga para o computador.

Correto: Eu preciso digitalizar esta foto antiga para o computador.

Overusing 'Escanear'
While 'escanear' is perfectly understood, relying on it exclusively can make your Portuguese sound 'lazy' or overly influenced by English. In formal writing, academic papers, or official business communication, 'digitalizar' is the superior choice. 'Escanear' is more of a colloquialism.

No relatório oficial, escreva: 'Procedemos à digitalização dos dados', em vez de 'escaneamento'.

Another mistake involves the preposition. As mentioned before, digitalizar is direct. You don't 'digitalizar de' or 'digitalizar para' the document itself. You digitalize 'the document'. You only use 'para' if you are specifying the destination format or location, like 'digitalizar para PDF' or 'digitalizar para a nuvem'.

Errado: Ele vai digitalizar do livro.

Correto: Ele vai digitalizar o livro.

Conjugation of the Future Subjunctive
Learners often struggle with 'Se eu digitalizar'. They might try to use the present tense 'Se eu digitalizo'. Remember that with 'se' (if) referring to a future possibility, Portuguese requires the future subjunctive, which for '-ar' verbs looks like the infinitive.

Se você digitalizar tudo hoje, poderá descansar amanhã.

Não se esqueça de digitalizar o verso da folha também!

While digitalizar is the most versatile term for this action, Portuguese offers several synonyms and related words depending on the level of formality and the specific technical process involved. Knowing these will help you fine-tune your vocabulary.

Escanear
The most common informal alternative. It's a direct adaptation of 'to scan'. Use it in casual office conversations or with friends. It specifically refers to the use of a scanner device.

Vou escanear este código QR para ver o menu.

Converter
'Converter' (to convert) is used when the focus is on changing the file format rather than the act of scanning. For example, if you already have a digital image but want to turn it into a text-searchable PDF (OCR), you might use 'converter'.

Preciso converter este arquivo digitalizado em um documento do Word.

In more technical or industrial contexts, you might encounter 'processar' (to process) or 'informatizar' (to computerize). 'Informatizar' is broader; it means to implement computer systems in an entire department or company. If a hospital 'informatiza' its records, it means they are now using a digital system for everything, which includes 'digitalizar' old paper records.

A prefeitura quer informatizar todo o sistema de saúde municipal.

Arquivar (Digitalmente)
'Arquivar' means to file or archive. Nowadays, it often implies 'digitalizar' first. People might say 'Vou arquivar isso no computador', which inherently means they will scan it and save it digitally.

Depois de digitalizar os recibos, você pode arquivá-los na pasta 'Impostos'.

Não basta apenas digitalizar; é preciso também organizar os arquivos.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The root 'digitus' originally referred to fingers because humans use fingers to count. Thus, 'digitalizar' literally traces back to the ancient practice of counting on your fingers!

Aussprachehilfe

UK /di.ʒi.tɐ.li.ˈzaɾ/
US /di.ʒi.ta.li.ˈzaɾ/
The stress is on the last syllable: zaR.
Reimt sich auf
falar pensar amar chegar olhar andar levar dar
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing the 'g' like in 'game' (hard G). It must be soft like 'j' in 'jet'.
  • Pronouncing the 'd' like in 'dog'. In most of Brazil, 'di' sounds like 'jee'.
  • Stressing the wrong syllable. It's not di-gi-TA-li-zar, it's di-gi-ta-li-ZAR.
  • Confusing the 'z' with an 's' sound in some regions.
  • Swallowing the 'li' syllable because the word is long.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'digitalize'.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires remembering the 'z' and the long spelling.

Sprechen 4/5

The 'di' and 'gi' sounds can be tricky for English speakers to pronounce naturally.

Hören 2/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to spot in a sentence.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

digital computador papel arquivo escrever

Als Nächstes lernen

armazenar compartilhar nuvem dispositivo algoritmo

Fortgeschritten

criptografar compilar automatizar sincronizar renderizar

Wichtige Grammatik

Regular -ar Verb Conjugation

Eu digitalizo, Tu digitalizas, Ele digitaliza...

Future Subjunctive for Possibility

Se você digitalizar o arquivo, eu poderei ler.

Passive Voice with 'Ser'

O documento foi digitalizado pelo secretário.

Gerund for Ongoing Actions

Estou digitalizando os recibos agora mesmo.

Personal Infinitive after Prepositions

Para digitalizarmos tudo, precisamos de mais tempo.

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

Eu vou digitalizar o papel agora.

I am going to scan the paper now.

Simple future using 'vou' + infinitive.

2

Você digitaliza a foto, por favor?

Do you scan the photo, please?

Present tense used as a polite request.

3

O scanner digitaliza muito rápido.

The scanner scans very fast.

Third person singular present tense.

4

Nós digitalizamos os documentos hoje.

We scan the documents today.

First person plural present tense.

5

Eles não querem digitalizar o livro.

They don't want to scan the book.

Negative sentence with 'querer' + infinitive.

6

Onde eu posso digitalizar isto?

Where can I scan this?

Question using 'posso' + infinitive.

7

Ela digitaliza os recibos todos os dias.

She scans the receipts every day.

Present tense indicating a habit.

8

Digitalizar é fácil e útil.

Scanning is easy and useful.

Infinitive used as a noun/subject.

1

Ontem eu digitalizei meu passaporte para a viagem.

Yesterday I scanned my passport for the trip.

Pretérito Perfeito (Past tense) - first person.

2

Você já digitalizou o contrato?

Have you already scanned the contract?

Pretérito Perfeito in a question with 'já'.

3

Nós precisamos digitalizar estas fotos antigas.

We need to scan these old photos.

Verb 'precisar' + infinitive.

4

Ela estava digitalizando os arquivos quando a luz acabou.

She was scanning the files when the power went out.

Past continuous (Imperfeito + Gerund).

5

O computador não consegue digitalizar o arquivo.

The computer cannot scan the file.

Negative with 'consegue' + infinitive.

6

Eles digitalizaram tudo na semana passada.

They scanned everything last week.

Third person plural Pretérito Perfeito.

7

Vou digitalizar este desenho para você.

I will scan this drawing for you.

Periphrastic future.

8

É melhor digitalizar o documento em PDF.

It is better to scan the document in PDF.

Impersonal expression 'é melhor' + infinitive.

1

Se eu tivesse um scanner, eu digitalizaria meus livros.

If I had a scanner, I would scan my books.

Conditional mood used with the imperfect subjunctive.

2

A empresa decidiu digitalizar todos os processos internos.

The company decided to digitize all internal processes.

Infinitive after the verb 'decidir'.

3

É necessário que você digitalize o recibo para o reembolso.

It is necessary that you scan the receipt for the refund.

Present subjunctive after an impersonal expression of necessity.

4

Os documentos foram digitalizados com sucesso.

The documents were successfully digitized.

Passive voice (ser + past participle).

5

Ao digitalizar as fotos, tome cuidado com a luz.

When scanning the photos, be careful with the light.

Personal infinitive structure (Ao + infinitive).

6

Eles estão digitalizando o acervo da biblioteca municipal.

They are scanning the collection of the municipal library.

Present continuous tense.

7

Espero que eles digitalizem os arquivos logo.

I hope they scan the files soon.

Present subjunctive after a verb of wishing (esperar).

8

Nós teríamos digitalizado tudo se o scanner não tivesse quebrado.

We would have scanned everything if the scanner hadn't broken.

Compound conditional (Conditional of 'ter' + past participle).

1

A digitalização de documentos evita o acúmulo de papel desnecessário.

The digitization of documents avoids the accumulation of unnecessary paper.

Noun form 'digitalização' used as a subject.

2

Caso você digitalize os arquivos, salve-os na pasta compartilhada.

In case you scan the files, save them in the shared folder.

Future subjunctive used with 'caso'.

3

Embora tenha digitalizado o livro, ele ainda prefere a versão física.

Although he digitized the book, he still prefers the physical version.

Compound past subjunctive with 'embora'.

4

O governo pretende digitalizar cem por cento dos serviços até o próximo ano.

The government intends to digitize one hundred percent of services by next year.

Infinitive used after 'pretender' in a formal context.

5

Não digitalize documentos confidenciais em redes de Wi-Fi públicas.

Do not scan confidential documents on public Wi-Fi networks.

Negative imperative (você form).

6

O historiador passou meses digitalizando manuscritos raros.

The historian spent months digitizing rare manuscripts.

Gerund expressing a long-duration action.

7

Duvido que eles consigam digitalizar todo esse volume de papel em um dia.

I doubt they can scan all this volume of paper in one day.

Present subjunctive after a verb of doubt (duvidar).

8

A tecnologia permite digitalizar sons com uma fidelidade impressionante.

Technology allows digitizing sounds with impressive fidelity.

Infinitive used as a direct object of 'permitir'.

1

A iniciativa de digitalizar o patrimônio cultural é louvável, mas exige investimento.

The initiative to digitize cultural heritage is laudable, but requires investment.

Complex sentence with coordinating conjunction 'mas'.

2

Se tivéssemos digitalizado o acervo antes do incêndio, nada teria sido perdido.

If we had digitized the collection before the fire, nothing would have been lost.

Pluperfect subjunctive in a hypothetical past condition.

3

É imperativo que se digitalizem os processos jurídicos para agilizar a justiça.

It is imperative that legal processes be digitized to speed up justice.

Passive voice with 'se' in the subjunctive mood.

4

A transição para o digital implica digitalizar não apenas dados, mas também mentalidades.

The transition to digital implies digitizing not only data but also mindsets.

Abstract usage of the verb in a philosophical context.

5

O software é capaz de digitalizar e reconhecer caracteres em diversos idiomas.

The software is capable of scanning and recognizing characters in various languages.

Adjective 'capaz de' followed by infinitive.

6

Digitalizaram-se milhares de páginas em um esforço hercúleo de preservação.

Thousands of pages were digitized in a Herculean preservation effort.

Synthetic passive voice (VTD + se) in the past tense.

7

Pelo fato de digitalizar seus arquivos, a empresa reduziu custos operacionais.

Due to digitizing its files, the company reduced operational costs.

Gerund phrase used as a causal clause.

8

Quem quer que digitalize estes documentos deve assinar um termo de confidencialidade.

Whoever digitizes these documents must sign a confidentiality agreement.

Relative pronoun 'Quem quer que' followed by the subjunctive.

1

A digitalização, longe de ser um fim em si mesma, é um meio para a democratização da informação.

Digitization, far from being an end in itself, is a means for the democratization of information.

Noun form used in a sophisticated philosophical structure.

2

Instigamos as instituições a que digitalizem seus arquivos sob pena de obsolescência.

We urge institutions to digitize their archives under penalty of obsolescence.

Verb 'instigar' followed by 'a que' and the subjunctive.

3

O projeto visa digitalizar a totalidade da obra camoniana para fins de exegese filológica.

The project aims to digitize the entirety of Camões' work for philological exegesis.

Highly formal academic vocabulary (exegese, filológica).

4

Ao digitalizarmos a realidade, corremos o risco de negligenciar a sua essência tátil e fenomenológica.

By digitizing reality, we run the risk of neglecting its tactile and phenomenological essence.

First person plural personal infinitive in a philosophical context.

5

Ainda que se digitalize o mundo inteiro, o espírito humano permanecerá analógico.

Even if the whole world is digitized, the human spirit will remain analogue.

Concessive clause with 'Ainda que' and passive subjunctive.

6

A tarefa de digitalizar o passado é, simultaneamente, um ato de memória e de esquecimento seletivo.

The task of digitizing the past is, simultaneously, an act of memory and selective forgetting.

Complex metaphor using the infinitive.

7

Oxalá digitalizassem todos os processos burocráticos para que o país pudesse avançar.

If only they would digitize all bureaucratic processes so the country could move forward.

Optative use of 'Oxalá' with the imperfect subjunctive.

8

A obsolescência programada dos suportes nos quais digitalizamos a nossa vida é uma preocupação premente.

The programmed obsolescence of the media on which we digitize our lives is a pressing concern.

Relative clause 'nos quais' with the verb in the present tense.

Häufige Kollokationen

digitalizar documentos
digitalizar fotos
digitalizar acervos
digitalizar processos
digitalizar em PDF
digitalizar rapidamente
digitalizar para a nuvem
digitalizar em alta resolução
digitalizar livros
digitalizar recibos

Häufige Phrasen

Digitalizar para enviar

— The act of scanning something specifically to email or message it. Very common in offices.

Vou digitalizar para enviar ao cliente.

Digitalizar a vida

— Metaphorical phrase meaning to put all personal records and memories into digital format.

Ele decidiu digitalizar a vida e vender todos os papéis.

Digitalizar o passado

— Refers to scanning old family or historical records.

Digitalizar o passado ajuda a preservar a memória.

Digitalizar o governo

— Political term for moving public services to online platforms.

O plano é digitalizar o governo até 2026.

Maneira de digitalizar

— Refers to the method or software used for scanning.

Qual a melhor maneira de digitalizar este mapa?

Digitalizar frente e verso

— Technical instruction to scan both sides of a page.

Não esqueça de digitalizar frente e verso.

Digitalizar em cores

— Instruction to scan using color settings instead of grayscale.

Pode digitalizar em cores, por favor?

Digitalizar para o celular

— Using a phone app to scan a document.

Hoje é fácil digitalizar para o celular.

Digitalizar o arquivo morto

— Professional phrase for digitizing old, inactive physical files.

O estagiário vai digitalizar o arquivo morto.

Digitalizar a economia

— Broad term for the shift toward digital transactions and business models.

A pandemia ajudou a digitalizar a economia brasileira.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

digitalizar vs digitar

Means to type on a keyboard. This is the most common mistake for learners.

digitalizar vs digital

This is the adjective. You can't 'digital' a paper; you 'digitalizar' it.

digitalizar vs dedilhar

Means to strum (a guitar) or touch with fingers. Sounds similar but unrelated.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Estar digitalizado"

— To be fully integrated into the digital world (slang/professional).

Aquele vovô está totalmente digitalizado, usa até criptomoedas.

informal
"Digitalizar o caos"

— A humorous or critical way to say that digitizing a messy process doesn't fix the underlying mess.

Não adianta digitalizar o caos; precisamos organizar o fluxo primeiro.

professional
"Mundo digitalizado"

— A common expression for the modern era dominated by technology.

Vivemos em um mundo digitalizado onde tudo é instantâneo.

neutral
"Cérebro digitalizado"

— Metaphor for someone who thinks very logically or is always connected.

Ele tem um cérebro digitalizado, resolve tudo com algoritmos.

informal
"Digitalizar a alma"

— Poetic/Philosophical expression about losing human touch to technology.

Cuidado para não digitalizar a alma e esquecer o contato humano.

literary
"Digitalizar o invisível"

— Refers to using technology to uncover hidden data or history.

A ciência está tentando digitalizar o invisível através de novos sensores.

academic
"Digitalizar a passos largos"

— To digitize or modernize very quickly.

O setor bancário está se digitalizando a passos largos.

neutral
"Digitalizar o papel de pão"

— Humorous way to refer to digitizing very informal or messy notes.

Ele quer digitalizar até o papel de pão onde anotou a ideia.

informal
"Digitalizar o lixo"

— Digitizing useless information.

Digitalizar o lixo continua sendo lixo, só que agora ocupa espaço no HD.

professional
"Digitalizar o amanhã"

— Visionary phrase about preparing for the future through technology.

Nossa missão é digitalizar o amanhã de nossos clientes.

marketing

Leicht verwechselbar

digitalizar vs digitar

Sounds similar and both involve computers.

Digitar is for typing text; Digitalizar is for scanning physical items.

Eu digito um texto, mas digitalizo uma foto.

digitalizar vs escanear

They mean the same thing.

Escanear is an Anglicism; Digitalizar is the formal Portuguese term.

Pode escanear isso? (Casual) / Vamos digitalizar os autos. (Formal)

digitalizar vs informatizar

Both involve computers.

Informatizar is about setting up a computer system; Digitalizar is about the data itself.

Informatizamos a loja e digitalizamos o estoque.

digitalizar vs virtualizar

Both move things to the digital realm.

Virtualizar is usually for servers/machines; Digitalizar is for documents/media.

Digitalizamos os documentos e virtualizamos o servidor.

digitalizar vs processar

Often happens after digitalizing.

Digitalizar is the input; Processar is what the computer does with the input.

Primeiro vamos digitalizar, depois o sistema vai processar.

Satzmuster

A1

Eu vou digitalizar [objeto].

Eu vou digitalizar o papel.

A2

Você pode digitalizar [objeto]?

Você pode digitalizar minha foto?

B1

É preciso digitalizar [objeto] para [finalidade].

É preciso digitalizar o contrato para o banco.

B2

Se eu digitalizar [objeto], [consequência].

Se eu digitalizar os livros, terei mais espaço.

C1

A digitalização de [objeto] permite que [ação].

A digitalização de acervos permite que todos pesquisem.

C2

Ainda que se digitalize [objeto], [contraste].

Ainda que se digitalize a arte, a aura se perde.

B1

O arquivo foi digitalizado por [agente].

O arquivo foi digitalizado por mim.

B2

Não deixe de digitalizar [objeto].

Não deixe de digitalizar o verso.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

digitalização (digitization)
digitalizador (scanner/digitizer)
digitalizado (the digitized file/object)

Verben

digitalizar (to digitize)

Adjektive

digitalizado (digitized)
digitalizável (scannable/digitizable)
digital (digital)

Verwandt

dígito
digital
digitar
escanear
computadorizar

So verwendest du es

frequency

Very common in office and administrative settings.

Häufige Fehler
  • Eu vou digitar o documento (when meaning scan). Eu vou digitalizar o documento.

    Digitar means to type. Digitalizar means to scan. This is a very common false friend error.

  • Eu digitalizei de fotos. Eu digitalizei as fotos.

    Digitalizar is a direct transitive verb. It does not take the preposition 'de'.

  • Digitalisar (with an S). Digitalizar.

    The suffix -izar in Portuguese is almost always spelled with a Z when it creates a verb from a noun or adjective.

  • Eu digitalizo o código QR. Eu leio o código QR.

    While technically okay, 'ler' (to read) or 'escanear' is much more common for QR codes specifically.

  • Se eu digitalizo os arquivos amanhã... Se eu digitalizar os arquivos amanhã...

    When using 'se' for a future possibility, you must use the future subjunctive (digitalizar).

Tipps

Regular Verb

Don't overthink it! It's a regular -ar verb. If you can conjugate 'falar', you can conjugate 'digitalizar'. The root is 'digitaliz-'.

Digitalizar vs Digitar

Remember: Digitar = fingers/typing. Digitalizar = scanner/digitizing. This is the most important distinction to keep your meaning clear.

Soft G

The 'g' in digitalizar is always soft. Think of the 's' in 'treasure' or 'measure'. Never use a hard 'g' like 'goat'.

Professionalism

Using 'digitalizar' in a business email instead of 'escanear' will immediately make you sound more professional and fluent.

Apps

When using apps like CamScanner or Adobe Scan, set your phone language to Portuguese to see 'digitalizar' in action every day.

Government Apps

Look up 'Governo Digital' in Brazil to see how often this word is used in public policy. It's a key part of the national conversation.

The Letter Z

In Portuguese, verbs ending in '-izar' almost always use 'z'. Don't be tempted to use 's' even if your native language does.

Stressed Ending

In Portuguese verbs, the infinitive '-ar' is always stressed. Focus on that final 'ZAR' to identify the verb in a sentence.

Direct Object

Don't put a preposition after the verb. It's 'digitalizar o arquivo', not 'digitalizar do arquivo'. Keep it simple!

Word Family

Learn 'digitalização' at the same time. You'll hear the noun just as often as the verb in professional settings.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'DIGIT' (number) and 'ALIZAR' (to make). You are making things into digits. DIGIT-ALIZAR.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a physical paper being sucked into a machine and coming out as a stream of neon green numbers (1s and 0s) on a screen.

Word Web

Scanner PDF Arquivo Computador Internet Papel Memória Tecnologia

Herausforderung

Try to say 'Eu preciso digitalizar dez documentos' five times fast without tripping over the 'gi' and 'za' sounds.

Wortherkunft

From the Portuguese word 'digital' (digital) + the verbalizing suffix '-izar'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To transform into digits or digital format.

Romance (Latin root 'digitus' meaning finger, later used for counting/digits).

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when discussing 'digitalização' with older generations who might feel excluded from the 'digital world'. Use the term patiently.

English speakers often say 'scan' for everything. In Portuguese, using 'digitalizar' makes you sound more educated and precise.

The 'Brasil Digital' government program. The digitization of the 'Torre do Tombo' archives in Lisbon. The 'Google Books' project in Portuguese-speaking universities.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Office Work

  • Digitalizar faturas
  • Digitalizar o contrato
  • Enviar arquivo digitalizado
  • Configurações de digitalização

Personal Memories

  • Digitalizar fotos de família
  • Digitalizar vídeos antigos
  • Preservar memórias digitalmente
  • Álbum digitalizado

Education

  • Digitalizar capítulos de livros
  • Digitalizar anotações
  • Plataforma de ensino digitalizada
  • Material digitalizado

Government/Law

  • Digitalizar o processo judicial
  • Documento digitalizado com fé pública
  • Digitalização de certidões
  • Protocolo digital

Technology/IT

  • Digitalizar o sinal analógico
  • Software para digitalizar
  • Digitalizar em lote
  • Fluxo de digitalização

Gesprächseinstiege

"Você prefere ler livros físicos ou prefere digitalizar tudo?"

"Você já teve que digitalizar documentos importantes para um visto?"

"Qual é o melhor aplicativo para digitalizar papéis com o celular?"

"Você acha que as escolas deveriam digitalizar todos os livros didáticos?"

"Quanto tempo você levaria para digitalizar todas as suas fotos antigas?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Descreva um momento em que digitalizar um documento salvou o seu dia.

Reflexão: O que se perde e o que se ganha ao digitalizar a nossa história pessoal?

Se você pudesse digitalizar qualquer objeto físico e transformá-lo em algo digital, o que seria?

Escreva sobre a importância de digitalizar arquivos históricos para as futuras gerações.

Como a habilidade de digitalizar mudou a forma como trabalhamos nos últimos dez anos?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, for most practical purposes they are synonyms. However, 'digitalizar' is the more formal and technically correct Portuguese word, while 'escanear' is a loanword from English. In a professional or academic environment, prefer 'digitalizar'.

Absolutely! If you are converting a vinyl record or a cassette tape into an MP3 or other digital format, you are 'digitalizando' that audio. It applies to any analogue-to-digital conversion.

Interestingly, for QR codes, people almost always use 'escanear' or 'ler' (to read). 'Digitalizar um código QR' sounds a bit strange because you aren't really creating a digital file of it, you are just reading the data. Say 'ler o QR code'.

The noun is 'digitalização'. For example: 'A digitalização dos documentos vai demorar' (The digitization of the documents will take a while).

Yes, it is perfectly regular. It follows the pattern of all '-ar' verbs like 'falar' or 'cantar'. This makes it very easy to conjugate once you know the basic endings.

Yes! With modern apps, using your phone camera to create a PDF is widely referred to as 'digitalizar com o celular' or 'digitalizar pelo celular'.

A 'digitalizador' can refer to the person doing the scanning or, more commonly, the scanner machine itself (though 'scanner' is also very common in Portuguese).

The meaning is identical. The main difference is pronunciation (the 'di' and 'gi' sounds) and the fact that Portugal might use 'digitalizar' slightly more often in formal contexts than 'escanear'.

For 'I scanned', say 'eu digitalizei'. For 'you scanned', say 'você digitalizou'. For 'we scanned', say 'nós digitalizamos'.

Yes, the term 'digitalização 3D' is used when creating a digital model of a physical 3D object.

Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen

writing

Escreva uma frase pedindo para alguém digitalizar um contrato.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Explique em uma frase por que é bom digitalizar fotos antigas.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 'digitalizar' no futuro do subjuntivo em uma frase com 'se'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Descreva o que você faria se tivesse que digitalizar uma biblioteca inteira.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Crie uma frase formal usando o substantivo 'digitalização'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escreva sobre a importância da digitalização no governo.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use o verbo no pretérito imperfeito do subjuntivo.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Faça uma frase comparando 'digitalizar' e 'imprimir'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escreva uma instrução para um estagiário sobre digitalização.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Crie um slogan para uma empresa de tecnologia que usa a palavra 'digitalizar'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escreva uma frase no presente contínuo (estou...).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 'digitalizar' para falar de música.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escreva uma frase negativa no passado.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Crie uma pergunta sobre o custo da digitalização.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 'digitalizar' no futuro (ir + infinitive).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escreva sobre a digitalização da arte.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use o particípio 'digitalizado' como adjetivo.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escreva um e-mail curto pedindo a digitalização de um ID.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use o condicional (ia/iria).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escreva sobre a digitalização de registros médicos.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'Eu preciso digitalizar estes documentos.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'Você já digitalizou as fotos da festa?'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'A digitalização é importante para a empresa.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'Se eu digitalizar tudo hoje, poderei descansar.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'O governo está digitalizando todos os serviços.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'Não esqueça de digitalizar o verso do documento.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'Eu digitalizaria os livros se tivesse um scanner bom.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'A digitalização de acervos históricos é fundamental.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'Eles digitalizaram mil páginas em um único dia.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'Por favor, digitalize este recibo em alta resolução.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'Estou digitalizando os arquivos agora mesmo.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'O scanner parou de digitalizar no meio do processo.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'Digitalizar ajuda a salvar o meio ambiente.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'Você prefere digitalizar ou imprimir?'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'Nós digitalizamos tudo na semana passada.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'A digitalização mudou a nossa forma de trabalhar.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'É necessário digitalizar o comprovante de residência.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'O arquivo digitalizado foi enviado por e-mail.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'Digitalizar o passado é preservar o futuro.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'Vou digitalizar este desenho para você guardar.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça e identifique o verbo: 'Eu vou digitalizar isso.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça e identifique o tempo verbal: 'Eles digitalizaram os papéis.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça e responda: 'A digitalização foi rápida?' (Sim, foi muito rápida).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça e identifique o objeto: 'Digitalize o contrato, por favor.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça e identifique o formato: 'Digitalize em PDF.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça e identifique a condição: 'Se você digitalizar, eu envio.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça: 'A digitalização de livros é cara.' Qual o custo?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça: 'O scanner está digitalizando.' O que está acontecendo?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça: 'Não digitalizamos nada ontem.' Quanto foi feito?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça: 'A digitalização salvou a empresa.' O que salvou a empresa?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça: 'Digitalize frente e verso.' Como deve ser feito?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça: 'Eu digitalizaria se pudesse.' Ele vai fazer?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça: 'A digitalização é um processo técnico.' Como é o processo?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça: 'Eles estão digitalizando o acervo.' O que estão fazendo?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça: 'Digitalize o recibo para o reembolso.' Para que serve?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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