In 15 Seconds
- Equivalent to 'to make a decision' in English.
- Uses the verb 'tomar' (to take) instead of 'fazer'.
- Works in both professional and casual daily life.
Meaning
This is how you say you're picking a path or making up your mind. It's the standard way to describe the act of choosing what to do next.
Key Examples
3 of 6Ordering food at a busy restaurant
Desculpe, ainda não tomei uma decisão.
Sorry, I haven't made a decision yet.
A serious conversation with a partner
Nós precisamos tomar uma decisão sobre a viagem.
We need to make a decision about the trip.
In a formal business meeting
A diretoria vai tomar uma decisão amanhã.
The board will make a decision tomorrow.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'tomar uma decisão' is used in all social strata. Similar usage, very standard in formal and informal contexts. Widely understood and used in professional settings. Standard Portuguese usage applies.
Avoid 'fazer'
Never use 'fazer' with 'decisão'. It is the most common mistake.
In 15 Seconds
- Equivalent to 'to make a decision' in English.
- Uses the verb 'tomar' (to take) instead of 'fazer'.
- Works in both professional and casual daily life.
What It Means
Tomar uma decisão is your go-to phrase for making a choice. In English, we 'make' decisions. In Portuguese, you 'take' them. It implies grabbing a choice and owning it. It covers everything from picking a pizza to choosing a career.
How To Use It
You use it just like the English version. You can use it with precisar (to need) or querer (to want). For example, Eu preciso tomar uma decisão. It is a very flexible phrase. You can add adjectives like difícil (difficult) or rápida (quick). Just remember to conjugate the verb tomar based on who is deciding.
When To Use It
Use it whenever a choice is on the table. Use it at a restaurant when the waiter is staring. Use it in a business meeting for a big project. Use it when texting a friend about weekend plans. It works perfectly when you are feeling indecisive. It also works when you finally reach a conclusion. It is a very safe, all-purpose expression.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for tiny, automatic actions. You don't 'take a decision' to blink or breathe. Avoid it if the choice is purely emotional or impulsive. In those cases, people might say mudei de ideia (I changed my mind). If you are just guessing, this phrase is too heavy. It implies at least a little bit of thought.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers can be very communal. Often, a 'decisão' involves talking to family or friends first. However, the language itself is direct here. Using tomar (to take/to drink) suggests consuming the choice. It becomes a part of your path. There is a certain weight to 'taking' something rather than just 'making' it. It feels more active and personal.
Common Variations
You might hear bater o martelo (to hit the hammer). This is like 'calling it' or 'finalizing' a deal. Another one is decidir, which is just the simple verb. But tomar uma decisão sounds more complete. It sounds like you really thought about it over a strong coffee.
Usage Notes
Perfectly neutral. Use it in any setting. Just remember that 'tomar' is an -AR verb and follows standard conjugation patterns.
Avoid 'fazer'
Never use 'fazer' with 'decisão'. It is the most common mistake.
Examples
6Desculpe, ainda não tomei uma decisão.
Sorry, I haven't made a decision yet.
A polite way to ask the waiter for more time.
Nós precisamos tomar uma decisão sobre a viagem.
We need to make a decision about the trip.
Used to bring focus to a shared plan.
A diretoria vai tomar uma decisão amanhã.
The board will make a decision tomorrow.
Professional and clear for corporate settings.
Cara, toma uma decisão logo!
Dude, make a decision already!
Informal and slightly impatient with a friend.
Foi a decisão mais difícil que já tomei.
It was the hardest decision I've ever made.
Reflective and heavy with meaning.
Minha única decisão hoje foi tomar um sorvete.
My only decision today was to have an ice cream.
A play on words since 'tomar' is used for both decisions and eating/drinking.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct verb.
Eu preciso ______ uma decisão.
The correct collocation is 'tomar uma decisão'.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesEu preciso ______ uma decisão.
The correct collocation is 'tomar uma decisão'.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, 'decidir' is a verb and is perfectly correct.
Related Phrases
mudar de ideia
similarto change one's mind
