Revela-se importante
It reveals itself to be important
Literally: Reveals itself important
In 15 Seconds
- Used when something's value becomes clear over a period of time.
- Perfect for professional meetings, academic papers, and serious advice.
- A sophisticated alternative to simply saying 'it is important'.
Meaning
Think of this as a sophisticated way to say something 'turns out to be' or 'proves to be' important. You use it when the value of something becomes clear over time or after a specific event.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
Esta nova parceria revela-se importante para o nosso crescimento.
This new partnership reveals itself to be important for our growth.
Discussing a historical event
Aquela decisão de 1990 revela-se importante até hoje.
That decision from 1990 proves to be important even today.
Texting a friend about a habit
Beber água logo cedo revela-se importante para ter energia.
Drinking water early on turns out to be important for having energy.
Cultural Background
The use of reflexive verbs to describe unfolding situations is a hallmark of Latin-based languages. In Portugal and Brazil, being able to describe a situation with this level of precision is seen as a sign of 'closeness' to the language's literary roots. It moved from formal literature into standard professional speech over the last century.
The 'Se' Secret
In Portugal, put the 'se' after the verb (revela-se). In Brazil, you can put it before (se revela) to sound more natural in daily speech.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every single thing, you might sound a bit pretentious. Save it for things that actually matter!
In 15 Seconds
- Used when something's value becomes clear over a period of time.
- Perfect for professional meetings, academic papers, and serious advice.
- A sophisticated alternative to simply saying 'it is important'.
What It Means
This phrase describes a process of discovery. It suggests that something wasn't obviously vital at first. Over time, its true value came to light. It is like a plot twist in a movie. You realize the quiet character was actually the hero. In Portuguese, revela-se importante carries that same sense of 'unveiling' importance.
How To Use It
You use the reflexive verb revelar-se. This means the subject is doing the 'revealing' to us. You can use it in the present tense for general truths. Use the past tense revelou-se for specific events that already happened. Usually, it is followed by an adjective. While importante is common, you can swap it for essencial or crucial. It makes you sound very articulate and thoughtful.
When To Use It
This is a star phrase for professional settings. Use it in a business meeting to highlight a strategy. It works beautifully in academic writing or news reports. You can also use it when giving advice to a friend. It adds a layer of wisdom to your speech. If you are explaining why a small detail saved a project, this is your go-to expression.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in very casual, high-energy settings. If you are at a football match, don't say the goalie revela-se importante. Just scream that he is great! It is too formal for shouting over loud music. Also, don't use it for trivial things. Saying a napkin revela-se importante for a tiny crumb sounds like you are overacting. Keep it for things with real impact.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers often value 'falar bem' (speaking well). Using reflexive structures like this shows a high level of education. It reflects a culture that appreciates nuance and formal elegance. In Portugal, you will hear this often in political commentary. It shows a certain intellectual maturity. It is the linguistic equivalent of wearing a well-tailored blazer.
Common Variations
You might hear mostra-se importante which means 'shows itself to be important'. Another variation is torna-se importante, meaning 'becomes important'. If you want to be very dramatic, try revelou-se fundamental. In Brazil, you might hear the se before the verb: se revela importante. Both are correct, but the placement changes based on regional rhythm.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits in the formal-to-neutral register. It is highly effective in writing and professional speech, but use it sparingly in casual settings to avoid sounding overly stiff.
The 'Se' Secret
In Portugal, put the 'se' after the verb (revela-se). In Brazil, you can put it before (se revela) to sound more natural in daily speech.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every single thing, you might sound a bit pretentious. Save it for things that actually matter!
The 'Polished' Speaker
Using this phrase in a job interview in Lisbon or São Paulo will immediately signal that you have a high command of the language.
Examples
6Esta nova parceria revela-se importante para o nosso crescimento.
This new partnership reveals itself to be important for our growth.
Highlights the strategic value of a business move.
Aquela decisão de 1990 revela-se importante até hoje.
That decision from 1990 proves to be important even today.
Used to show long-term impact.
Beber água logo cedo revela-se importante para ter energia.
Drinking water early on turns out to be important for having energy.
A slightly 'fancy' way to share health advice via text.
O café revela-se importante quando a reunião dura três horas.
Coffee reveals itself to be important when the meeting lasts three hours.
Using a formal phrase for a relatable, funny struggle.
O teu apoio revelou-se importante nos momentos mais difíceis.
Your support proved to be important during the hardest moments.
Uses the past tense to show deep appreciation.
A análise dos dados revela-se importante para evitar erros.
The data analysis reveals itself to be important to avoid mistakes.
Standard professional usage to justify a process.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form of the verb for a past discovery.
A ajuda dele ___ importante durante a crise.
We use 'revelou-se' (past tense) because the crisis already happened and the help was already proven useful.
Complete the sentence to sound professional.
O planeamento estratégico ___ importante para o sucesso.
'Revela-se' provides the formal, sophisticated tone required for discussing strategic planning.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Level of 'Revela-se importante'
Talking to siblings about pizza.
É bom.
General conversation with colleagues.
É importante.
Official reports or serious advice.
Revela-se importante.
Legal documents or high literature.
Afigura-se de suma importância.
Where to use 'Revela-se importante'
Boardroom Meeting
Discussing quarterly results.
University Essay
Analyzing a scientific theory.
Doctor's Office
Explaining why a test is needed.
Serious Heart-to-Heart
Talking about life lessons.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesA ajuda dele ___ importante durante a crise.
We use 'revelou-se' (past tense) because the crisis already happened and the help was already proven useful.
O planeamento estratégico ___ importante para o sucesso.
'Revela-se' provides the formal, sophisticated tone required for discussing strategic planning.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. É importante is a simple fact, while revela-se importante suggests that the importance became clear over time.
Yes! You can say Ele revela-se um excelente líder, meaning he is proving himself to be an excellent leader.
Yes, but Brazilians often say se revela importante instead of revela-se importante in spoken conversation.
Certainly. Não se revela importante means it turns out not to be important at all.
The most common past tense is revelou-se importante for something that happened once, or revelava-se for an ongoing state.
It depends on the friend. If you're being a bit dramatic or discussing something serious, it's fine. For 'let's get beer', it's too much.
Absolutely. You can say revela-se difícil (proves to be difficult) or revela-se útil (proves to be useful).
In this specific context of 'turning out to be', yes, you need the se.
No, parece importante means it might be important. Revela-se means it actually is important, and we just found out.
Forgetting the se. If you just say revela importante, the sentence is incomplete and sounds like you are revealing a secret called 'important'.
Related Phrases
Mostrar-se necessário
Tornar-se evidente
Dar-se conta de
Vir a ser fundamental
