Meaning
To not reveal confidential information.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, the expression 'boca de siri' is very popular. It refers to how a crab (siri) closes its mouth tightly and won't let go. In Portugal, people might say 'segredo de polichinelo' for a secret that everyone actually knows, though it's a bit more literary. Children often use a 'pinky swear' gesture while saying 'jura?' (do you swear?) to ensure a secret is kept.
Drop the Article
In casual conversation, just say 'guardar segredo' instead of 'guardar um segredo'. It sounds more native.
Don't use 'Keep'
Avoid saying 'manter' unless you are in a very formal business meeting. 'Guardar' is the heart of the language here.
Meaning
To not reveal confidential information.
Drop the Article
In casual conversation, just say 'guardar segredo' instead of 'guardar um segredo'. It sounds more native.
Don't use 'Keep'
Avoid saying 'manter' unless you are in a very formal business meeting. 'Guardar' is the heart of the language here.
Trust is Key
If someone asks 'Você sabe guardar segredo?', they are about to tell you something very important. Listen closely!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'guardar'.
Eu prometo que _______ segredo.
The subject is 'Eu' (I), so the verb must be in the first person singular.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask someone to keep a secret?
Choose one:
'Saber guardar segredo' is the most common idiomatic way to ask this.
Match the Portuguese phrase to its English equivalent.
Match them:
Guardar = Keep/Store; Contar = Tell; Revelar = Reveal.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Não conte para o Pedro!' B: 'Não se preocupe, eu vou _______.'
The context of 'don't tell' requires 'keeping a secret'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu prometo que _______ segredo.
The subject is 'Eu' (I), so the verb must be in the first person singular.
Choose one:
'Saber guardar segredo' is the most common idiomatic way to ask this.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Guardar = Keep/Store; Contar = Tell; Revelar = Reveal.
A: 'Não conte para o Pedro!' B: 'Não se preocupe, eu vou _______.'
The context of 'don't tell' requires 'keeping a secret'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes! You can 'guardar as chaves' (put away the keys). The logic is the same: putting something in a safe place.
Yes, it is perfectly standard in Portugal, though they might use the article 'um' more frequently than Brazilians.
The most common opposite is 'contar um segredo' (to tell a secret) or 'revelar um segredo'.
The most natural way is 'Você sabe guardar segredo?'
'Sigilo' is more formal and often refers to legal or professional confidentiality.
Yes, this means you are keeping a secret *from* someone.
Related Phrases
Contar um segredo
contrastTo tell a secret
Manter sigilo
synonymTo maintain confidentiality
Boca de siri
specialized formTight-lipped
Em segredo
similarIn secret
