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A2 verb #3,000 most common 11 min read

aconselhar

Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips aconselhar in 30 Seconds

Explanation aconselhar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the basic meaning of 'aconselhar' as 'to advise.' You will mostly use it in the present tense to express simple ideas like 'Eu aconselho este livro' (I advise/recommend this book). At this stage, you are just learning that the word exists and that it is a regular -ar verb. You might use it interchangeably with 'recomendar' (recommend) because both are useful for sharing things you like with others. Don't worry too much about complex grammar yet; just remember that it's a way to tell someone what you think is a good idea. You might see it in simple signs or hear it in basic conversations about food or travel.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'aconselhar' with more structure. You should learn the pattern 'aconselhar alguém a fazer algo' (to advise someone to do something). For example: 'Eu aconselho você a estudar' (I advise you to study). Notice the preposition 'a'—it's very important! You also start to use the past tense: 'Ele me aconselhou a descansar' (He advised me to rest). At this level, you are capable of giving and receiving simple advice about daily life, health, and travel. You understand that 'aconselhar' is a bit more 'serious' than just suggesting a movie, and you can use it to help friends make simple choices.

At the B1 level, you must master the relationship between 'aconselhar' and the subjunctive mood. When you say 'Eu aconselho que...', the next verb must be in the subjunctive: 'Aconselho que você fale com ela' (I advise that you speak with her). This is a significant step up in your grammar. You also become aware of the reflexive form 'aconselhar-se com' (to consult with). You can now engage in longer discussions where you provide reasons for your advice. You start to recognize the difference between 'aconselhar' and 'avisar' (to warn/inform) and 'sugerir' (to suggest), allowing you to be more precise in your speech.

At the B2 level, you use 'aconselhar' with nuance and varied registers. You can use it in professional contexts, such as 'A empresa aconselha cautela' (The company advises caution). You are comfortable switching between the infinitive construction and the subjunctive construction depending on the flow of the conversation. You also start using the conditional tense to make your advice sound more polite: 'Eu aconselharia você a esperar um pouco' (I would advise you to wait a bit). You understand the cultural context of advice-giving in Lusophone countries and can navigate formal and informal situations with the appropriate synonyms like 'orientar' or 'recomendar'.

At the C1 level, your use of 'aconselhar' is sophisticated and grammatically flawless. You can use it in complex sentence structures, including the imperfect subjunctive and the future subjunctive. You understand the historical and literary weight of the word. You can discuss abstract concepts like 'aconselhamento jurídico' or 'aconselhamento de carreira' with ease. You are also sensitive to the subtle differences between 'aconselhar', 'exortar', and 'persuadir'. Your vocabulary includes related nouns like 'conselheiro' and 'aconselhável', and you can use the negative 'desaconselhar' in formal reports or academic writing to express strong professional disagreement.

At the C2 level, 'aconselhar' is a tool you use with the precision of a native speaker. You can use it in highly formal legal, academic, or political discourse. You understand and can use idioms and proverbs involving 'conselho' and 'aconselhar' naturally. You can play with the word's meaning in creative writing or complex debating. You are aware of regional variations in how the verb is constructed (e.g., the preference for indirect objects in European Portuguese vs. direct objects in Brazilian Portuguese) and can adapt your speech accordingly. You use the verb not just to give advice, but to frame entire arguments and influence high-level decision-making processes.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

aconselhar in 30 Seconds

Aconselhar is the primary Portuguese verb for 'to advise' or 'to counsel' someone.
It is a regular -ar verb, making it relatively easy to conjugate across all tenses.
Commonly used with the preposition 'a' followed by an infinitive verb (e.g., aconselhar a fazer).
Triggers the subjunctive mood when followed by the conjunction 'que' (e.g., aconselho que faça).

The Portuguese verb aconselhar is a fundamental pillar of interpersonal communication, serving as the primary vehicle for offering guidance, suggestions, or recommendations. At its core, it translates to 'to advise' or 'to counsel.' Unlike simple suggestions, aconselhar often carries a weight of experience or authority, though it remains versatile enough for casual interactions between friends. When you use this word, you are essentially sharing your perspective on what another person should do in a specific situation to achieve a better outcome or avoid a negative one.

The Professional Context: In professional environments, aconselhar is used by doctors, lawyers, and consultants. For instance, 'O médico aconselhou repouso' (The doctor advised rest). Here, the advice is not just a hint; it is a professional recommendation based on expertise.

The Personal Context: Among friends and family, the verb becomes softer. It is the act of looking out for someone. 'Eu te aconselho a falar com ela' (I advise you to talk to her). It implies a level of care and intimacy, suggesting that the speaker has the listener's best interests at heart.

Sempre é bom aconselhar os mais jovens sobre os perigos da estrada.

The verb is transitive, meaning it usually requires an object—the person being advised—and often a prepositional phrase or a subordinate clause explaining what the advice is. Understanding the syntax is key: you advise someone (indirect or direct object depending on the region/dialect) TO do something (preposition 'a'). In more formal or specific Portuguese (especially European Portuguese), the indirect object pronoun 'lhe' is frequently seen: 'Aconselho-lhe que estude mais.'

Eu aconselho vivamente a leitura deste livro.

Usage with the Subjunctive: Because advising involves influencing someone else's future actions, it often triggers the subjunctive mood when followed by 'que'. 'Aconselho que você vá' (I advise that you go). This is a crucial grammatical point for intermediate learners.

Historically, the word derives from the Latin 'consiliare', linked to the noun 'consilium' (counsel). This heritage connects it to grand historical roles like the 'Conselheiro do Rei' (King's Counselor), adding a layer of gravity to the word. Even today, a 'conselheiro' is someone whose job is to provide wisdom. When you use the verb, you are stepping into that role of providing wisdom, however small the topic might be, from choosing a restaurant to making a life-changing career move.

Os especialistas aconselham cautela nos investimentos atuais.

Não me aconselharam a viajar durante a tempestade.

Finally, consider the negative form: desaconselhar. This is equally common and means 'to advise against.' If a situation is risky, a Portuguese speaker might say, 'Eu desaconselho essa rota' (I advise against this route). This symmetry between advising 'for' and 'against' makes the root word 'conselho' (advice) extremely powerful in daily navigation of life in any Lusophone country.

Mastering the use of aconselhar requires an understanding of its three primary syntactic patterns. Each pattern shifts the focus slightly and changes the grammatical requirements of the sentence. Whether you are speaking to a child, a colleague, or writing a formal report, choosing the right pattern is essential for clarity and natural-sounding Portuguese.

Pattern 1: Aconselhar + Direct Object (Noun/Pronoun): This is the simplest form, where you advise a specific action or thing. 'O guia aconselhou o caminho mais curto' (The guide advised the shorter path). Here, the advice is the direct object. It is straightforward and often used in instructional contexts.

Meu pai me aconselhou muita paciência nesta fase.

Pattern 2: Aconselhar [alguém] a [verbo]: This is the most common spoken pattern. You mention the person being advised, followed by the preposition 'a' and an infinitive verb. 'Eu aconselho você a descansar' (I advise you to rest). In Brazil, 'você' is common; in Portugal, you might hear 'Aconselho-o a descansar'.

Nós os aconselhamos a chegar cedo ao aeroporto.

Pattern 3: Aconselhar que + [Subjunctive]: This is the more formal or 'correct' way to express advice directed at someone's actions. It uses the conjunction 'que' followed by the present subjunctive. 'Aconselho que estude' (I advise that [you] study). This pattern is highly frequent in writing and formal speech.

When using the past tense, the patterns remain the same, but the subjunctive shifts to the imperfect. 'Eu aconselhei que ele estudasse' (I advised that he study/should study). This shows the ripple effect of aconselhar throughout the grammar of a sentence. It is a 'trigger' verb that requires the speaker to think ahead about the mood and tense of the following clauses.

Ela nos aconselhou que não comprássemos aquele carro usado.

Furthermore, aconselhar can be used reflexively: aconselhar-se. This means 'to seek advice' or 'to consult with someone.' 'Vou me aconselhar com meu advogado' (I'm going to consult with my lawyer). This reflexive use is vital for expressing the proactive search for guidance. It turns the speaker from the giver of advice into the recipient, completing the social circle of the word's utility.

É prudente aconselhar-se antes de tomar uma decisão tão importante.

In summary, whether you are providing a direct recommendation, urging someone to act via an infinitive, or using the formal subjunctive structure, aconselhar is a flexible tool. It allows for nuance in how much pressure you are putting on the listener and how formal you wish to remain.

In the Lusophone world, aconselhar is ubiquitous, appearing in everything from high-stakes political debates to mundane kitchen-table conversations. Its presence signals a moment of transition—a point where a decision must be made and external input is being provided. You will hear it in various settings, each with its own flavor.

Medical and Health Settings: The most common place to encounter this verb is in a doctor's office or a pharmacy. Doctors in Brazil and Portugal are very 'aconselhadores'. You will hear: 'Aconselho o senhor a reduzir o sal' (I advise you, sir, to reduce salt). It is the standard verb for medical prescriptions and lifestyle recommendations.

O nutricionista me aconselhou a comer mais fibras diariamente.

Financial and Legal Advice: In the news or at the bank, 'aconselhar' is used to discuss market trends. 'Analistas aconselham cautela na bolsa' (Analysts advise caution on the stock market). It implies a data-driven recommendation. Similarly, in legal terms, a 'parecer' (legal opinion) will often 'aconselhar' a certain course of action to avoid litigation.

Meu gerente de conta me aconselhou a diversificar meus investimentos.

Education and Mentorship: Teachers use it with students: 'Aconselho que você revise a matéria antes da prova' (I advise that you review the material before the test). It is less a command and more of a helpful nudge. In universities, 'orientadores' (advisors) spend their whole day 'aconselhando' students on their research paths.

You will also find it in literature and proverbs. The Portuguese language is rich with sayings about advice, such as 'Se conselho fosse bom, não se dava, se vendia' (If advice were good, it wouldn't be given, it would be sold). This humorous take shows a cultural skepticism toward unsolicited advice, even though the verb aconselhar is used constantly.

O professor aconselha os alunos a lerem os clássicos da literatura.

Os locais aconselham a não andar sozinho naquela região à noite.

In religious contexts, aconselhar is the work of a priest or pastor (aconselhamento espiritual). This is a very specific use where the verb implies moral and spiritual guidance. Whether it's a 'conselho de amigo' (friendly advice) or 'aconselhamento jurídico' (legal counseling), the word is the gateway to shared human experience and wisdom in the Portuguese-speaking world.

While aconselhar seems straightforward, English speakers often fall into several traps due to interference from English grammar or confusion with similar-sounding Portuguese words. Avoiding these mistakes will make your Portuguese sound significantly more sophisticated and natural.

Mistake 1: Forgetting the Preposition 'a': In English, we say 'I advise you TO go.' In Portuguese, many learners say 'Eu aconselho você ir,' forgetting the 'a'. The correct form is 'Eu aconselho você a ir.' That tiny 'a' is the bridge between the person and the action.

Errado: Eu te aconselho comprar este. Correto: Eu te aconselho a comprar este.

Mistake 2: Confusing 'Conselho' and 'Concelho': This is a classic spelling error. 'Conselho' (with an 's') is the advice. 'Concelho' (with a 'c') refers to a municipality or district, especially in Portugal. While they sound identical, writing 'Vou dar um concelho' means you are giving away a whole town!

Preciso de um conselho (advice), não de morar em outro concelho (municipality).

Mistake 3: Misusing the Subjunctive: When using the 'que' structure, English speakers often use the indicative. 'Aconselho que você vai' is wrong. It must be the subjunctive: 'Aconselho que você vá.' Advice is a desire for someone else's action, which is a hallmark of the subjunctive mood.

Another subtle mistake is the placement of object pronouns. In European Portuguese, the pronoun often comes after the verb (Aconselho-o), whereas in Brazil, it almost always comes before (Eu o aconselho / Eu te aconselho). Using the 'wrong' one won't make you misunderstood, but it will immediately signal which dialect you are less familiar with.

Ela me aconselhou que eu chegasse (subjunctive) cedo.

Eles me aconselharam a não desistir dos meus sonhos.

Finally, be careful with the verb 'avisar'. While it sounds like 'advise', it actually means 'to warn' or 'to inform.' If you want to give someone guidance, use aconselhar. If you want to tell them that the meeting was moved to 3 PM, use 'avisar'. Mixing these up can lead to confusing social situations where you think you are giving advice but are actually just providing a notification.

While aconselhar is a great all-purpose verb, Portuguese offers a variety of synonyms that allow for more precise shades of meaning. Choosing the right one depends on the level of authority, the urgency of the suggestion, and the formality of the situation.

Sugerir vs. Aconselhar: 'Sugerir' is much lighter. It's 'to suggest.' Use it for low-stakes things like 'Eu sugiro este restaurante' (I suggest this restaurant). 'Aconselhar' implies you've thought about it more deeply. You 'aconselha' a friend on a relationship, but you 'sugere' a movie.

Posso sugerir uma mudança no projeto? (Lighter than aconsejar).

Recomendar: 'Recomendar' is very close to 'aconselhar' but is often used for products, services, or people. 'Eu recomendo este médico' (I recommend this doctor). While you can 'aconselhar' a course of action, you 'recomendar' a specific entity or person.

O guia recomenda o uso de protetor solar.

Orientar: 'Orientar' means 'to guide' or 'to direct.' It is used in educational or professional contexts where there is a clear hierarchy. A boss 'orienta' an employee. It's more about providing a framework than just a single piece of advice.

For more intense situations, you might use exortar (to urge/exhort) or advertir (to warn). 'Exortar' is very formal and often used in speeches or religious contexts. 'Advertir' is used when the advice is actually a warning about a danger. 'Eu te advirto: não vá por ali' (I warn you: don't go that way).

O mentor orienta os jovens empreendedores em seus negócios.

Vou te dar um toque, aquele lugar é muito caro.

In summary, while aconselhar is your 'go-to' verb for advice, expanding your vocabulary to include 'sugerir', 'recomendar', 'orientar', and the informal 'dar um toque' will allow you to navigate the social nuances of Portuguese culture with much greater ease and precision.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'conselho' and 'concelho' used to be more closely related in meaning, as a 'concelho' (municipality) was originally a group of people who met to take 'conselho' (counsel) on town matters.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɐ.kõ.sɐ.ˈʎaɾ/

US /a.kõ.se.ˈʎaʁ/

The stress is on the last syllable: 'lhar'.

Rhymes With

trabalhar olhar brilhar partilhar espelhar falhar mergulhar atrapalhar

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'lh' as a simple 'l'. It must be the 'ly' sound.
Missing the nasal quality of the 'on' sound.
Stressing the second-to-last syllable instead of the last one.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its similarity to 'counsel' or 'conseiller' in French.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of the subjunctive mood and correct preposition use.

Speaking 3/5

The 'lh' sound and nasal 'on' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'avisar' if not listening carefully.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ajudar falar querer bom melhor

Learn Next

sugerir recomendar subjuntivo decidir escolher

Advanced

exortar dissuadir persuadir deliberar jurisprudência

Grammar to Know

Subjunctive after verbs of influence

Aconselho que você **estude**.

Indirect object pronouns with advice

Eu **lhe** aconselho a ter calma.

Preposition 'a' with infinitive

Aconselhei-o **a** sair.

Reflexive verbs for consultation

Eu **me** aconselho com especialistas.

Negative advice (desaconselhar)

Eu **desaconselho** essa atitude.

Examples by Level

Eu aconselho este café.

I advise (recommend) this coffee.

Present tense, first person singular.

Você aconselha este livro?

Do you advise (recommend) this book?

Question form in the present tense.

Nós aconselhamos o hotel.

We advise (recommend) the hotel.

Present tense, first person plural.

Ela aconselha a fruta.

She advises (recommends) the fruit.

Present tense, third person singular.

Eles aconselham o restaurante.

They advise (recommend) the restaurant.

Present tense, third person plural.

Eu não aconselho o filme.

I do not advise (recommend) the movie.

Negative form in the present tense.

O guia aconselha o passeio.

The guide advises (recommends) the tour.

Subject-verb-object structure.

Meu amigo aconselha este lugar.

My friend advises (recommends) this place.

Possessive pronoun + subject.

Eu te aconselho a comer agora.

I advise you to eat now.

Use of 'te' (informal you) and 'a' + infinitive.

O médico me aconselhou a dormir.

The doctor advised me to sleep.

Preterite tense + indirect object 'me'.

Nós aconselhamos você a esperar.

We advise you to wait.

Present tense + 'você' as object + 'a' + infinitive.

Eles me aconselharam a estudar mais.

They advised me to study more.

Preterite tense, third person plural.

Você me aconselha a comprar este carro?

Do you advise me to buy this car?

Interrogative + object pronoun.

Ela nos aconselhou a viajar cedo.

She advised us to travel early.

Preterite tense + object pronoun 'nos'.

Eu não te aconselho a sair na chuva.

I don't advise you to go out in the rain.

Negative + object pronoun + 'a' + infinitive.

Meu pai me aconselhou a ser paciente.

My father advised me to be patient.

Preterite tense + 'ser' (infinitive).

Aconselho que você faça o dever.

I advise that you do the homework.

Present subjunctive 'faça' after 'que'.

Ela aconselhou que nós fôssemos embora.

She advised that we leave.

Imperfect subjunctive 'fôssemos' after preterite.

Eu me aconselhei com o meu gerente.

I consulted with my manager.

Reflexive form 'aconselhar-se'.

Eles aconselham que todos fiquem calmos.

They advise that everyone stay calm.

Present subjunctive 'fiquem' for plural subject.

O professor aconselha que leiam o texto.

The teacher advises that they read the text.

Subjunctive mood used for recommendation.

Aconselho que você não gaste tanto dinheiro.

I advise that you don't spend so much money.

Negative advice using the subjunctive.

Você aconselharia que eu mudasse de emprego?

Would you advise that I change jobs?

Conditional tense + subjunctive mood.

Nós aconselhamos que a reunião seja breve.

We advise that the meeting be brief.

Subjunctive form of the verb 'ser'.

Os especialistas aconselham cautela nos investimentos.

Experts advise caution in investments.

Formal usage with a noun as direct object.

Aconselho-o vivamente a reconsiderar sua posição.

I strongly advise you to reconsider your position.

Formal pronoun placement (mesoclisis/enclisis) + adverb.

O relatório aconselha a implementação de novas medidas.

The report advises the implementation of new measures.

Institutional subject + direct object noun.

Se eu fosse você, aconselharia o contrário.

If I were you, I would advise the opposite.

Conditional sentence with 'se' + imperfect subjunctive.

Aconselhamos que se tomem precauções extras hoje.

We advise that extra precautions be taken today.

Passive voice with 'se' in the subjunctive clause.

Ele desaconselha o uso deste software antigo.

He advises against the use of this old software.

Use of the antonym 'desaconselhar'.

Foi-me aconselhado que eu procurasse um advogado.

I was advised to look for a lawyer.

Passive structure with indirect object.

Aconselhamos a leitura atenta do contrato antes da assinatura.

We advise a careful reading of the contract before signing.

Noun phrase as object in a formal instruction.

A prudência aconselha que não nos precipitemos na decisão.

Prudence advises that we do not rush the decision.

Abstract noun as subject + reflexive subjunctive.

O conselho de ministros aconselhou o veto à nova lei.

The council of ministers advised the veto of the new law.

Political/Legal register.

Aconselhar-se-ia uma abordagem mais diplomática neste caso.

A more diplomatic approach would be advised in this case.

Conditional reflexive used for impersonal advice.

Não me sinto no direito de aconselhar ninguém sobre isso.

I don't feel I have the right to advise anyone on that.

Complex idiomatic expression of humility/boundary.

Aconselhei-o a que não se deixasse abater pelas críticas.

I advised him not to let himself be discouraged by the criticism.

Complex combination of direct object and subjunctive clause.

O bom senso aconselha o silêncio perante tais provocações.

Common sense advises silence in the face of such provocations.

Personification of 'bom senso' (common sense).

Sempre me aconselhei com os clássicos para escrever melhor.

I have always consulted the classics to write better.

Reflexive use indicating intellectual mentorship.

Aconselhamos vivamente a consulta de um especialista qualificado.

We strongly advise consulting a qualified specialist.

Highly formal adverbial modification.

A conjuntura económica aconselha uma revisão das metas fiscais.

The economic situation advises a revision of the fiscal goals.

Sophisticated subject-object relationship.

Aconselhar o rei era uma tarefa de extrema responsabilidade.

Advising the king was a task of extreme responsibility.

Infinitive as subject of the sentence.

Mal seria se não pudéssemos aconselhar os nossos próprios filhos.

It would be a bad thing if we couldn't advise our own children.

Subjunctive conditional used for rhetorical emphasis.

O autor aconselha-nos a que busquemos a verdade interior.

The author advises us to seek the inner truth.

Literary register with complex 'a que' structure.

Aconselhar-se com o travesseiro é, por vezes, a melhor solução.

Consulting with one's pillow is sometimes the best solution.

Idiomatic expression (sleeping on a decision).

Aconselho que se pondere a gravidade das consequências inerentes.

I advise that the gravity of the inherent consequences be weighed.

Highly formal passive subjunctive.

Nada me aconselha a crer que a situação vá melhorar em breve.

Nothing leads me to believe that the situation will improve soon.

Negative subject acting as a source of advice/logic.

Aconselhar outrem exige, antes de mais, a capacidade de ouvir.

Advising another requires, above all, the ability to listen.

Philosophical statement using 'outrem' (formal 'another').

Common Collocations

aconselhar vivamente

aconselhar prudência

aconselhar repouso

aconselhar cautela

aconselhar alguém a

aconselhar que

aconselhar-se com

mal aconselhado

bem aconselhado

aconselhar moderação

Common Phrases

Se me permite aconselhar...

— A polite way to introduce a piece of advice. It shows respect for the listener's autonomy.

Se me permite aconselhar, eu não compraria esse carro.

O que você me aconselha?

— A standard question to ask for someone's opinion or guidance. Very useful for travelers.

Estou em dúvida. O que você me aconselha?

Aconselho-o a não...

— A formal way to warn someone against a specific action. Common in professional settings.

Aconselho-o a não assinar o contrato agora.

Sempre bom aconselhar.

— A general statement meaning it is always beneficial to provide guidance. Often said after giving advice.

Cuidado na estrada! Sempre bom aconselhar.

Quem te aconselhou?

— A question asking for the source of a person's decision or information. Can be neutral or skeptical.

Essa ideia é estranha. Quem te aconselhou?

Aconselho que faça o mesmo.

— A way to suggest that someone should follow your own example or a successful pattern.

Eu já comecei a poupar. Aconselho que faça o mesmo.

Não aconselho a ninguém.

— A strong negative recommendation, usually based on a bad personal experience.

Aquele restaurante é péssimo. Não aconselho a ninguém.

Aconselhar os amigos.

— The act of looking out for one's peers. Implies social duty and care.

É nosso papel aconselhar os amigos em tempos difíceis.

Aconselhar por experiência.

— To give advice based on having lived through a similar situation.

Eu te aconselho por experiência: não deixe para amanhã.

Aconselhar com calma.

— To provide guidance in a thoughtful, non-rushed manner.

Precisamos nos sentar e aconselhar com calma.

Often Confused With

aconselhar vs avisar

Avisar means to warn or inform, while aconselhar means to give guidance or advice.

aconselhar vs concelho

Concelho is a municipality; conselho (with an S) is advice.

aconselhar vs anunciar

Anunciar is to announce or advertise, not to give advice.

Idioms & Expressions

"Se conselho fosse bom, não se dava, se vendia."

— A humorous proverb suggesting that advice is often unwanted or of questionable value because it's free.

Ele vive me dando palpites, mas como dizem: se conselho fosse bom, se vendia.

informal/popular

"Aconselhar-se com o travesseiro."

— To sleep on a decision; to wait until the next day to make a choice after thinking about it at night.

Ainda não sei se aceito o emprego. Vou me aconselhar com o travesseiro.

informal

"Dar um conselho de amigo."

— To give sincere, honest advice without any hidden agenda, purely for the listener's benefit.

Vou te dar um conselho de amigo: mude de atitude.

neutral

"Ouvir conselhos."

— To be open to guidance; to be humble enough to listen to others.

Ele é teimoso e nunca ouve conselhos de ninguém.

neutral

"Seguir o conselho."

— To actually do what was suggested by someone else.

Segui o seu conselho e comecei a academia.

neutral

"Pedir conselho."

— To proactively seek guidance from someone you trust or respect.

Fui pedir conselho ao meu antigo professor.

neutral

"Estar mal aconselhado."

— To be following bad guidance or to have bad influencers around oneself.

O político está muito mal aconselhado nesta crise.

formal/neutral

"Conselheiro de última hora."

— Someone who offers advice only when it's too late or when the situation is already critical.

Não preciso de conselheiros de última hora agora que tudo deu errado.

informal

"Aconselhar em causa própria."

— To give advice that actually benefits the person giving it more than the one receiving it.

Cuidado com ele, ele só aconselha em causa própria.

formal

"A noite é boa conselheira."

— Similar to 'sleeping on it,' suggesting that things look clearer after a night's rest.

Não decida nada agora. A noite é boa conselheira.

informal/literary

Easily Confused

aconselhar vs avisar

Sounds like the English 'advise'.

Avisar is for facts or warnings (I warned you about the rain). Aconselhar is for suggestions (I advise you to take an umbrella).

Eu te avisei que ia chover, mas te aconselhei a ficar em casa.

aconselhar vs recomendar

Very similar in meaning.

Recomendar is often for objects/services (I recommend this app). Aconselhar is for actions/decisions (I advise you to delete the app).

Recomendo este livro e aconselho você a lê-lo logo.

aconselhar vs sugerir

Both involve suggestions.

Sugerir is lighter and less authoritative. Aconselhar implies more wisdom or thought.

Sugiro um café, mas aconselho que você descanse primeiro.

aconselhar vs orientar

Both involve guidance.

Orientar is more systemic or educational (guiding a student). Aconselhar is more personal or situational.

O mestre orienta a tese e aconselha o aluno sobre a carreira.

aconselhar vs advertir

Both can be warnings.

Advertir is a serious warning about danger or a reprimand. Aconselhar is helpful guidance.

Eu te aconselho a ser pontual, ou o chefe vai te advertir.

Sentence Patterns

Eu aconselho [pessoa] a [verbo]

Eu aconselho você a ler.

Aconselho que [pessoa] [verbo no subjuntivo]

Aconselho que você leia.

Aconselharia [pessoa] a [verbo]

Eu aconselharia você a esperar.

Aconselha-se a [substantivo]

Aconselha-se a leitura do guia.

Eu aconselho [substantivo]

Eu aconselho este livro.

Vou me aconselhar com [pessoa]

Vou me aconselhar com o médico.

Não aconselho [verbo no gerúndio/infinitivo]

Não aconselho viajar agora.

Nada aconselha a [verbo]

Nada aconselha a desistir agora.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life and professional contexts.

Common Mistakes

Eu aconselho você ir. → Eu aconselho você a ir.
Missing the required preposition 'a' between the object and the infinitive verb.
Aconselho que você vai. → Aconselho que você vá.
Using the indicative mood instead of the subjunctive mood after 'que'.
Vou dar um concelho. → Vou dar um conselho.
Confusing 'concelho' (municipality) with 'conselho' (advice).
Eu te aviso a estudar. → Eu te aconselho a estudar.
Confusing 'avisar' (to warn/inform) with 'aconselhar' (to advise).
Aconselhei que ele faz. → Aconselhei que ele fizesse.
Using the present indicative instead of the imperfect subjunctive after a past tense verb.

Tips

The 'A' Bridge

Always remember the 'a' when advising an action: Aconselhar + Person + A + Verb. 'Eu te aconselho A estudar'.

Unsolicited Advice

In Brazil, giving advice is a way of showing you care. Don't take it as a criticism of your current choices!

Advice vs. Municipality

Spell it with 'S' for Advice (Conselho) and 'C' for City/Municipality (Concelho). This is a common test question!

Nasal Power

The 'on' in 'aconselhar' is nasal. Keep your tongue flat and let the air go through your nose.

The Conditional Nudge

Use 'Eu aconselharia...' (I would advise...) to make your suggestion sound less bossy and more polite.

Orientar in Business

In a workplace, use 'orientar' if you are guiding someone on a process, and 'aconselhar' for career or personal choices.

Watch for 'Des-'

The prefix 'des-' changes the meaning to 'advise against'. It's easy to miss if the speaker is fast!

Subjunctive Accuracy

If you write 'Aconselho que...', the next verb MUST be in the subjunctive. This shows high language proficiency.

Pillow Talk

Use 'aconselhar-se com o travesseiro' to say you need to sleep on a decision. It sounds very native!

Regularity

Because it's a regular -ar verb, you can confidently use it in any tense once you know the basic endings.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'A-CON-SELL-YAR'. You are 'selling' a 'con' (concept/idea) to a friend to help them. (A-CON-SELHAR).

Visual Association

Imagine a wise old owl (a counselor) whispering into someone's ear. The whispering sound is the 'lh' in aconselhar.

Word Web

conselho sugerir ajudar médico amigo decisão estudar viagem

Challenge

Try to use 'aconselhar' in three different ways today: once for a friend, once for a professional recommendation, and once as a question asking for advice.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'consiliare', which means to take counsel or to deliberate. It is formed from 'consilium' (plan, counsel, advice).

Original meaning: To deliberate together or to provide a plan of action.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful when advising on sensitive topics like religion or politics unless you are very close to the person, as in any culture.

English speakers might find the frequent advice-giving in Brazil a bit overwhelming at first, as it can feel like a critique of their choices, but it's usually meant as a sign of inclusion.

The book 'O Conselheiro' (various authors/titles). The figure of 'Antônio Conselheiro' in Brazilian history (War of Canudos). Machado de Assis often wrote about 'conselheiros' in his novels.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Doctor

O que o senhor me aconselha?
Aconselho repouso absoluto.
Aconselho a tomar o remédio.
O médico me aconselhou a parar.

With Friends

Te aconselho a falar com ele.
Eu não te aconselho a ir lá.
Me dá um conselho?
Aconselho este filme, é ótimo.

At Work

Aconselho cautela no projeto.
Vou me aconselhar com o chefe.
Aconselhamos a revisão do texto.
Eles aconselharam a mudança.

Travel

Você aconselha este passeio?
O guia aconselhou o caminho.
Não aconselho andar aqui à noite.
Aconselho levar um casaco.

Financial

Aconselho investir agora.
Eles desaconselham a venda.
Aconselhar-se com o gerente.
Aconselhamos diversificação.

Conversation Starters

"Qual é o melhor conselho que você já recebeu na vida?"

"Você costuma aconselhar seus amigos quando eles têm problemas?"

"Você prefere pedir conselhos ou decidir tudo sozinho?"

"O que você me aconselha a visitar na sua cidade natal?"

"Você acha que os pais devem sempre aconselhar os filhos adultos?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma vez que você seguiu um conselho e tudo deu certo.

Se você pudesse aconselhar o seu 'eu' do passado, o que você diria?

Descreva uma situação em que foi difícil aconselhar alguém.

Quais são os três principais conselhos que você daria a um novo estudante de português?

Reflita sobre a frase: 'Se conselho fosse bom, não se dava, se vendia'.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is neutral. It can be used between friends ('Te aconselho a ir') or in very formal settings ('Aconselhamos a revisão do tratado'). The surrounding grammar (pronouns and tenses) determines the formality.

Both are correct. 'Aconselhar a + infinitive' is more common in spoken Portuguese (e.g., 'Aconselho você a ir'). 'Aconselhar que + subjunctive' is slightly more formal and common in writing (e.g., 'Aconselho que você vá').

In Portuguese, 'conselho' (with an 's') means 'advice' or 'council' (a group of people). 'Concelho' (with a 'c') means 'municipality' or 'district,' mainly used in Portugal.

Only if you use the word 'que'. If you use 'a' + infinitive, you don't need the subjunctive. Example: 'Aconselho que você coma' (subjunctive) vs. 'Aconselho você a comer' (infinitive).

Yes, you can, but 'recomendar' or 'indicar' are slightly more common for media and products. 'Aconselhar' sounds like you are giving a more serious tip.

It is the noun form meaning 'counseling' or 'the act of giving advice,' often used in professional contexts like 'aconselhamento psicológico' (psychological counseling).

Use the verb 'desaconselhar'. For example: 'Eu desaconselho essa viagem' (I advise against this trip).

Yes, it is a perfectly regular -ar verb. It follows the same pattern as 'falar' or 'estudar' in all tenses.

In very informal Brazilian Portuguese, people sometimes do this, but it is grammatically incomplete. It's always better to say 'Eu aconselho você a...'.

It means to seek advice for yourself. For example: 'Vou me aconselhar com um especialista' (I'm going to consult with/seek advice from a specialist).