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A2 verb 12 min read

conferir

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips conferir in 30 Seconds

Explanation conferir in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'conferir' is a useful word for basic daily survival. Think of it as the 'checking' verb. You use it when you want to make sure you have everything in your bag, or when you are checking if a price is right. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar. Just remember the phrase 'Vou conferir' (I'm going to check). It is a perfect response when someone asks you a question you aren't sure about. For example, if someone asks 'Is the store open?', you can say 'Vou conferir'. It shows you are proactive and understand basic verification. Focus on the present tense: 'Eu confiro', 'Você confere'. Use it for physical objects you can see and touch, like a list of groceries or the time on a clock. It is a very safe and common word that will help you sound more natural than always using 'ver' (to see).

At the A2 level, you start using 'conferir' in more varied sentence structures. You will frequently use it with the word 'se' (if/whether). For example, 'Confere se a porta está fechada' (Check if the door is closed). This allows you to talk about actions and conditions. You also begin to see 'conferir' in advertisements and on signs—'Confira nossas ofertas!' (Check out our offers!). At this level, you should be comfortable with the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito): 'Eu conferi os documentos' (I checked the documents). You are moving beyond just 'checking' things to 'verifying' information. You might use it when talking about travel, like checking your flight time or your passport. It's a key word for being organized and ensuring accuracy in your daily life in a Portuguese-speaking country.

At the B1 level, you use 'conferir' to handle more abstract information and professional tasks. You might use it to compare two things using the preposition 'com'. For instance, 'Preciso conferir este relatório com o original' (I need to check/compare this report with the original). You are now using the word in a work or school context to ensure quality and consistency. You also start to encounter the secondary meaning of 'conferir'—to bestow or grant—though usually in a passive sense or in news reports. For example, 'O prêmio conferido ao autor...' (The prize awarded to the author...). Your understanding of the word expands to include 'matching up'. You can say 'Os fatos não conferem' (The facts don't match up), which is a more sophisticated way to express doubt or identify a discrepancy.

At the B2 level, 'conferir' becomes a tool for nuanced expression. You understand the difference between 'conferir' and 'verificar' and can choose the right one for the level of formality you want. You use 'conferir' in more complex grammatical structures, such as the future subjunctive: 'Quando você conferir os dados, me avise' (When you check the data, let me know). You also start to use idiomatic expressions like 'dar uma conferida' to sound more like a native speaker. In discussions, you might use 'conferir' to validate an argument or a source of information. You are aware of its use in legal and official contexts to mean 'granting authority' or 'bestowing rights'. Your vocabulary is flexible enough to use 'conferir' both for a casual 'check this out' and a formal 'verify these figures'.

At the C1 level, you have a deep appreciation for the versatility of 'conferir'. You use it with precision in academic or professional writing to describe the methodology of verification. You are familiar with its less common meanings, such as 'to provide' or 'to impart' a certain quality. For example, 'A nova iluminação confere um ar moderno à sala' (The new lighting imparts a modern air to the room). You can use the verb in highly formal settings, such as bestowing degrees or honors, with perfect command of the indirect object 'a'. You also recognize and can use related nouns like 'conferência' (not just a meeting, but the act of checking/comparing). Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker's, as you pick up on the subtle connotations the word carries in different Portuguese-speaking regions.

At the C2 level, you master the historical and literary dimensions of 'conferir'. You understand its evolution from the Latin 'conferre' (to bring together) and how that informs its modern meanings of 'comparing' and 'bestowing'. You might encounter the word in classical literature or archaic legal documents where its usage is highly specific. You can use 'conferir' in sophisticated rhetorical ways, perhaps in a debate to systematically dismantle an opponent's 'non-matching' facts. You are also sensitive to its use in different dialects, recognizing how a speaker from rural Portugal might use it differently from a tech professional in São Paulo. For you, 'conferir' is not just a verb; it's a versatile linguistic tool that you can bend to suit any communicative need, from the most mundane check to the most solemn granting of power.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

conferir in 30 Seconds

Conferir is a versatile Portuguese verb meaning 'to check', 'to verify', or 'to compare' in everyday and formal contexts.
It is used for checking receipts, verifying data, or checking out something new, like a movie or a restaurant.
Formally, it means to bestow or grant honors, titles, or legal powers to someone, often used in official news.
It's a regular '-ir' verb, but remember the first person singular 'eu confiro' changes the 'e' to 'i'.

The Portuguese verb conferir is a versatile and essential word that every learner should master early in their journey. At its most fundamental level, it translates to 'to check,' 'to verify,' or 'to compare.' Imagine you are at a supermarket in Lisbon or São Paulo; after receiving your change, you might pause to conferir o troco (check the change) to ensure the cashier gave you the correct amount. This act of verification is the heart of the word's usage. It implies a conscious effort to look at something and determine its accuracy or presence against a known standard or expectation.

Daily Verification: This is the most common use, involving checking physical items like lists, receipts, or bags. When you finish packing for a trip, you confere a mala to make sure nothing is left behind.
Data Comparison: In professional or academic settings, it means comparing two sets of information. An accountant might conferir os números to ensure the balance sheet matches the bank statements.
Bestowing or Granting: A more formal, secondary meaning involves giving or bestowing something, such as an honor, power, or a title. For example, a constitution confere direitos (bestows rights) upon citizens.

Beyond these literal meanings, conferir has taken on a modern, more colloquial nuance similar to 'to check out' in English. You might hear a friend say, 'Você precisa conferir o novo restaurante no centro!' (You need to check out the new restaurant downtown!). In this context, it suggests an invitation to experience or witness something new and exciting. It moves away from strict verification and toward exploration.

Antes de sair de casa, não se esqueça de conferir se as janelas estão fechadas.

The verb is regular in its '-ir' conjugation, which makes it relatively easy for beginners to use. However, its semantic range is what makes it powerful. It bridges the gap between the mundane (checking a shopping list) and the official (verifying legal documents). It is also frequently used in the imperative form as a call to action in advertisements: 'Confira as nossas ofertas!' (Check out our offers!).

O professor vai conferir as respostas da prova agora.

In a world of information overload, conferir is the verb of the critical thinker. It implies that one does not take information at face value but takes the extra step to ensure truth. Whether you are checking the time, checking a fact on Wikipedia, or checking if your friend arrived safely, you are 'conferindo'. It is a word of safety, precision, and curiosity.

Conferir as Fontes: To check the sources. Essential in journalism and academic research to ensure the validity of a claim.

O diretor decidiu conferir o prêmio ao melhor funcionário do mês.

Você pode conferir se eu fechei a porta do carro?

Using conferir correctly involves understanding its transitivity and the prepositions that often follow it. Most commonly, it acts as a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object—the thing you are checking. However, it can also be used with 'se' (if/whether) to check a condition or 'com' (with) to compare two things. Let's explore these patterns in detail to help you construct natural-sounding sentences in Portuguese.

Direct Object Usage: The most straightforward way to use the word. Structure: [Subject] + [Conferir] + [Object]. Example: 'Eu conferi os documentos.' (I checked the documents).
Checking a Condition (Conferir se...): Used when you want to verify if something is true or has happened. Structure: [Subject] + [Conferir] + 'se' + [Clause]. Example: 'Confere se o bolo está pronto.' (Check if the cake is ready).

When you want to emphasize the act of comparison, you use the preposition com. This is typical in administrative or scientific contexts where one set of data is being validated against another. For instance, 'O detetive conferiu as impressões digitais com o banco de dados' (The detective compared the fingerprints with the database). This specific usage highlights the 'compare' aspect of the definition.

Nós precisamos conferir a lista de convidados antes da festa começar.

In the imperative mood, conferir is a staple of marketing and calls to action. You will see it on websites, billboards, and social media posts. 'Confira as novidades!' (Check out the news!) or 'Venha conferir nossos preços!' (Come check out our prices!). In these cases, it functions as an invitation to look at something appealing. It is less about 'verifying for errors' and more about 'observing for interest'.

The verb also appears in the passive voice in formal writing. 'Os dados foram conferidos pelos especialistas' (The data were verified by the specialists). This is common in reports and official documentation where the focus is on the object being checked rather than the person performing the action. It adds a layer of professionalism and objectivity to the statement.

Você pode conferir os resultados no site oficial amanhã.

Granting Authority: Structure: [Subject] + [Conferir] + [Something] + 'a' + [Someone]. Example: 'O presidente conferiu a medalha ao herói.' (The president bestowed the medal on the hero).

O gerente vai conferir se todos os funcionários bateram o ponto.

Sempre confira a validade dos produtos antes de comprar.

The word conferir is ubiquitous in the Portuguese-speaking world, appearing in almost every facet of life. From the high-stakes environment of a courtroom to the casual setting of a coffee shop, you will encounter this verb frequently. Understanding the context in which it is used will help you grasp the subtle shifts in its meaning and tone.

In the Supermarket: You will hear this when people discuss their receipts or change. A customer might say to a clerk, 'Pode conferir este preço para mim?' (Can you check this price for me?). It’s about ensuring the transaction is correct.
In the Office: Workplace communication is full of 'conferir'. A boss might email, 'Por favor, confira os dados da planilha' (Please check the spreadsheet data). It implies a task of verification and attention to detail.
On Television and News: News anchors often use it when introducing a report or a fact-check segment. 'Vamos conferir agora as imagens do acidente' (Let's check out the images of the accident now). Here, it acts as a synonym for 'to see' or 'to witness'.

If you are a fan of sports, especially football (soccer), you will hear commentators use conferir during VAR (Video Assistant Referee) reviews. 'O árbitro vai conferir o lance no monitor' (The referee is going to check the play on the monitor). In this high-pressure context, the word carries the weight of a final, decisive verification that could change the outcome of a game.

Não se esqueça de conferir o seu número de inscrição na lista oficial.

In the world of social media and digital marketing, conferir is the ultimate 'call to action'. Influencers will say, 'Link na bio para você conferir!' (Link in bio for you to check it out!). It is the Portuguese equivalent of 'Check it out' or 'Take a look'. It is used to drive traffic and engagement by piquing the audience's curiosity.

O técnico vai conferir se o equipamento está funcionando corretamente.

Finally, in everyday social interactions, the word is used to confirm plans or information. If you tell someone a fact, they might respond with 'Vou conferir' (I'll check/I'll verify that). It doesn't necessarily mean they doubt you, but rather that they want to be 100% certain before taking action based on that information. It reflects a cultural value on accuracy and avoiding mistakes.

Check the Weather: 'Confira a previsão do tempo antes de viajar.' Checking the weather is a classic use case for this verb.

Você pode conferir se eu escrevi o seu nome corretamente?

O auditor vai conferir as contas da empresa no próximo mês.

While conferir is a common word, learners often stumble over its conjugation, its prepositions, and its distinction from similar verbs. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and precise. Let's break down the most frequent errors and how to fix them.

The 'Eu' Conjugation Error: Many learners mistakenly say 'Eu confero'. Because it is an -ir verb with an 'e' in the stem, the 'e' changes to 'i' in the first person singular present tense. The correct form is Eu confiro.
Confusing 'Conferir' with 'Confirmar': While they overlap, 'conferir' is about checking/verifying details, whereas 'confirmar' is about validating a fact or an appointment. You confere a list to see if everything is there; you confirma a reservation at a hotel.

Another common mistake is the over-reliance on the anglicism 'checar'. While 'checar' is widely used in Brazil due to English influence, it is often seen as less formal or 'lazy' Portuguese in professional or academic settings. Using conferir or verificar will always be safer and more elegant, especially in Portugal where 'checar' is much less common.

Errado: Eu confero os e-mails todos os dias.
Correto: Eu confiro os e-mails todos os dias.

A subtle mistake involves the preposition used for comparison. English speakers often want to use 'com' for everything, and while 'conferir com' is correct for comparing two things, learners sometimes omit the preposition when it's needed. For example, if you are checking your answers against a key, you should say 'conferir as respostas com o gabarito'.

In the context of 'bestowing' something, learners often forget the indirect object preposition 'a'. If a prize is conferred to someone, it must be 'conferir o prêmio ao vencedor'. Omitting the 'a' (to) makes the sentence grammatically incomplete in formal Portuguese. This usage is more advanced but important for those aiming for C1/C2 levels.

Errado: Vou confirmar se os preços estão certos.
Correto: Vou conferir se os preços estão certos.

Misusing the Imperative: In Brazil, people often use 'Confere' as an informal imperative, but the formal 'Você' imperative is 'Confira'. In advertisements, you will almost always see 'Confira!', while in casual speech with a friend, 'Dá uma conferida' is more natural.

Lembre-se: conferir é o ato de olhar os detalhes; confirmar é o ato de validar a existência ou o plano.

O aluno esqueceu de conferir o verso da prova e deixou questões em branco.

Portuguese is a rich language with many synonyms for 'checking' or 'verifying'. While conferir is a great all-purpose word, knowing its alternatives will allow you to be more specific and vary your vocabulary depending on the context. Here is a comparison of conferir with its closest relatives.

Verificar: This is the most direct synonym. It is slightly more formal and technical. While you confere your change, a scientist verifica a hypothesis. Use 'verificar' when you want to sound more professional or systematic.
Checar: As mentioned before, this is an anglicism (from 'to check'). It is very common in informal Brazilian Portuguese but rare in Portugal. It is used almost exactly like 'conferir' but lacks the 'bestow' meaning.
Confirmar: To confirm. Use this when the checking leads to a firm 'yes' or 'no' regarding a plan or a fact. 'Confirme sua presença' (Confirm your presence).

When the context is specifically about comparing two things to see if they match, you might use cotejar. This is a very formal, literary word. You won't hear it in the street, but you will see it in academic papers or legal texts. It implies a side-by-side, meticulous comparison of two versions of a text or two sets of data.

Em vez de conferir, você pode usar 'revisar' se estiver falando de corrigir um texto.

If you are talking about giving someone a title or an honor (the secondary meaning of conferir), alternatives include outorgar, conceder, or atribuir. 'Outorgar' is specifically used for legal powers or diplomas. 'Conceder' is common for granting permissions or favors. 'Atribuir' is used when assigning a quality or a responsibility to someone.

O editor vai cotejar o manuscrito original com a tradução.

In summary, choose your word based on the 'vibe' of the situation. Use conferir for everyday checking and verification. Use verificar for technical accuracy. Use checar for informal chats in Brazil. Use outorgar for formal bestowing. Having these options makes you a more versatile and sophisticated speaker of Portuguese.

Apurar: Often used in journalism for 'investigating' or 'checking facts' deeply. 'Apurar os fatos' means to get to the bottom of the truth.

A rainha vai conceder uma audiência aos embaixadores.

O fiscal vai verificar a validade dos extintores de incêndio.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'conference' in English comes from the same Latin root. Originally, a conference was a place where people 'brought together' their ideas to compare them.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kõ.fɛ.'ɾiɾ/

US /kõ.fe.'ɾiʁ/

The stress is on the last syllable 'rir'.

Rhymes With

partir sorrir mentir dormir sentir pedir abrir sumir

Common Errors

Pronouncing the first 'o' like 'oh' instead of a nasal 'om'.
Making the 'e' too closed (like 'ay') instead of open (like 'eh').
Stress on the second syllable instead of the last.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context due to its frequency.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the 'e' to 'i' stem change in the present tense.

Speaking 2/5

Common and useful, though the nasal 'o' can be tricky for some.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, though often spoken quickly in Brazil.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Ver Olhar Lista Preço Dados

Learn Next

Verificar Confirmar Outorgar Cotejar Fiscalizar

Advanced

Conferência Auditória Prerrogativa Legitimidade

Grammar to Know

Stem-changing verbs (-ir)

Eu confiro (not confero).

Imperative mood (Tu vs Você)

Confere (tu) vs Confira (você).

Direct vs Indirect Objects

Conferir algo (direct) vs Conferir algo a alguém (indirect).

Future Subjunctive

Quando eu conferir...

Passive voice with 'ser'

Os dados foram conferidos.

Examples by Level

Vou conferir o preço.

I am going to check the price.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

Você pode conferir a hora?

Can you check the time?

Polite request with 'pode' + infinitive.

Eu confiro a minha mala.

I check my suitcase.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

Confere a lista, por favor.

Check the list, please.

Informal imperative.

Ele confere o troco.

He checks the change.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Nós conferimos os nomes.

We check the names.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

Confira os seus e-mails.

Check your emails.

Formal/Standard imperative.

Eles conferem a comida.

They check the food.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

Confere se a chave está aqui.

Check if the key is here.

Using 'se' to introduce a clause.

Eu conferi os dados ontem.

I checked the data yesterday.

Pretérito Perfeito (Past tense).

Você precisa conferir o endereço.

You need to check the address.

Modal verb 'precisar' + infinitive.

Vamos conferir as fotos da viagem.

Let's check out the travel photos.

Hortative 'Vamos' + infinitive.

Ela conferiu se o bebê estava dormindo.

She checked if the baby was sleeping.

Past tense with a conditional clause.

Sempre confira a validade do leite.

Always check the milk's expiration date.

Imperative with adverb of frequency.

Eles não conferiram o mapa.

They didn't check the map.

Negative past tense.

Pode conferir se há pão?

Can you check if there is bread?

Question with 'ha' (there is).

O gerente conferiu as contas com cuidado.

The manager checked the accounts carefully.

Adverbial phrase 'com cuidado'.

Confira se todas as informações batem.

Check if all the information matches up.

Using 'bater' as a synonym for matching.

Eu conferi o meu extrato bancário hoje.

I checked my bank statement today.

Direct object 'extrato bancário'.

É importante conferir as fontes da notícia.

It is important to check the news sources.

Impersonal expression 'É importante'.

O professor conferiu as notas aos alunos.

The teacher gave the grades to the students.

Secondary meaning: to give/bestow.

Nós conferimos os resultados com o gabarito.

We checked the results against the answer key.

Comparison using 'com'.

Ela foi conferir o que era aquele barulho.

She went to check what that noise was.

Compound verb 'foi conferir'.

Os valores não conferem com o pedido.

The values don't match the order.

Intransitive use meaning 'to match'.

O diretor conferiu plenos poderes ao seu assistente.

The director bestowed full powers upon his assistant.

Formal use: conferring authority.

Antes de publicar, confira se não há erros de digitação.

Before publishing, check for any typos.

Conjunction 'antes de' + infinitive.

O perito conferiu as assinaturas nos documentos.

The expert verified the signatures on the documents.

Specific professional context.

Dê uma conferida no relatório antes da reunião.

Take a quick look at the report before the meeting.

Idiomatic expression 'dar uma conferida'.

A constituição confere direitos iguais a todos.

The constitution bestows equal rights to everyone.

Abstract formal subject.

É necessário conferir a veracidade destas afirmações.

It is necessary to verify the truth of these statements.

Passive/Impersonal necessity.

O auditor conferiu as notas fiscais uma a uma.

The auditor checked the tax invoices one by one.

Distributive phrase 'uma a uma'.

Confira se o seu nome consta na lista de aprovados.

Check if your name appears on the list of approved candidates.

Using 'constar' (to appear/be listed).

A universidade conferiu-lhe o título de Doutor Honoris Causa.

The university bestowed upon him the title of Doctor Honoris Causa.

Pronominal placement (enclisis).

Ao conferir o texto original com a tradução, notei discrepâncias.

Upon comparing the original text with the translation, I noticed discrepancies.

Gerund-like use of 'Ao' + infinitive.

Esta medida confere maior legitimidade ao processo eleitoral.

This measure imparts greater legitimacy to the electoral process.

Abstract 'imparting' of a quality.

O historiador passou anos a conferir manuscritos antigos.

The historian spent years comparing ancient manuscripts.

European Portuguese 'a' + infinitive construction.

Cumpre ao conselho conferir a validade das candidaturas.

It is up to the council to verify the validity of the candidacies.

Formal expression 'Cumpre a'.

O brilho das joias conferia-lhe um ar de nobreza.

The sparkle of the jewels gave her an air of nobility.

Imperfect tense for description.

Não se pode conferir crédito a tais rumores infundados.

One cannot give credit to such unfounded rumors.

Passive 'se' construction.

O sistema confere automaticamente os dados de entrada.

The system automatically verifies the input data.

Adverb placement.

A lei confere ao magistrado a prerrogativa de adiar o julgamento.

The law bestows upon the magistrate the prerogative to postpone the trial.

Highly formal legal terminology.

É mister conferir os depoimentos para dirimir quaisquer dúvidas.

It is necessary to cross-examine the testimonies to resolve any doubts.

Archaic/Formal 'É mister'.

O autor buscou conferir uma nova dimensão à literatura contemporânea.

The author sought to impart a new dimension to contemporary literature.

Metaphorical use of 'imparting'.

As evidências colhidas parecem conferir com a tese apresentada.

The gathered evidence seems to match the presented thesis.

Intransitive 'conferir com' meaning 'to align'.

Conferir-se-á o prêmio àquele que demonstrar maior mérito.

The prize shall be bestowed upon the one who demonstrates the greatest merit.

Mesoclisis (very formal future).

A análise minuciosa permitiu conferir a autenticidade da obra de arte.

The meticulous analysis allowed for the verification of the artwork's authenticity.

Complex sentence structure.

O estatuto confere direitos inalienáveis aos membros da associação.

The statute bestows inalienable rights upon the association's members.

Legal 'bestowing'.

Resta-nos conferir se as promessas serão, de fato, cumpridas.

It remains for us to see if the promises will, in fact, be fulfilled.

Idiomatic 'Resta-nos'.

Common Collocations

Conferir o troco

Conferir os dados

Conferir o resultado

Conferir se

Conferir com o original

Conferir um título

Conferir poderes

Conferir as fontes

Conferir a validade

Conferir as malas

Common Phrases

Dá uma conferida

— Give it a quick check. Very common and informal.

Dá uma conferida no meu texto, por favor.

Confira as novidades

— Check out the news/updates. Common in marketing.

Acesse o site e confira as novidades!

Não deixe de conferir

— Don't miss out on checking it. Used as a recommendation.

Não deixe de conferir a exposição no museu.

Pode conferir

— You can check/verify it. Used to show confidence in a fact.

O que eu disse é verdade, pode conferir.

Vou conferir

— I'll check. A standard response to a question or task.

Vou conferir se ele já chegou.

Conferir de perto

— To check closely or see in person.

Fomos conferir de perto o novo estádio.

Falta conferir

— Still needs to be checked.

Já fiz quase tudo, só falta conferir os nomes.

Bater e conferir

— To cross-check and verify. Used in accounting.

Temos que bater e conferir os saldos.

Confira você mesmo

— Check it yourself. Used to invite personal verification.

O preço é ótimo, confira você mesmo.

A conferir

— To be verified. Used when a fact is not yet certain.

O boato ainda está a conferir.

Often Confused With

conferir vs Confirmar

Confirmar is to validate a plan; conferir is to check details.

conferir vs Confessar

Sounds similar but means to confess a secret or sin.

conferir vs Conferenciar

Means to hold a meeting or lecture, not to check.

Idioms & Expressions

"Conferir os pontos"

— To count the score or verify the points in a game.

No final do jogo, vamos conferir os pontos.

Neutral

"Conferir as baquetas"

— Very rare/slang: To check if everything is ready (musical context).

O baterista está conferindo as baquetas.

Slang

"Passar em conferência"

— To put something through a verification process.

A lista passou em conferência ontem.

Formal

"Conferir o bico"

— Humorous/Rare: To check if someone is pouting or upset.

Pare de conferir o bico e sorria!

Informal

"Conferir a nota"

— Not just checking a grade, but checking the bill in a bar.

Garçom, deixe-me conferir a nota.

Neutral

"Conferir o estoque"

— To do an inventory check.

É dia de conferir o estoque da loja.

Business

"Conferir as cartas"

— To check one's hand in a card game.

Ele parou para conferir as cartas antes de apostar.

Neutral

"Conferir o passo"

— To check one's pace or rhythm.

O atleta parou para conferir o passo.

Neutral

"Conferir o terreno"

— To check the situation or 'scout' the area.

Antes de investir, vamos conferir o terreno.

Idiomatic/Business

"Conferir o pulso"

— To check the pulse (literally or metaphorically checking the mood).

O político quer conferir o pulso da população.

Metaphorical

Easily Confused

conferir vs Checar

English speakers use it because of 'check'.

Checar is an informal anglicism; conferir is the standard Portuguese verb.

Vou checar o zap (informal) vs Vou conferir os dados (standard).

conferir vs Verificar

They are nearly identical in meaning.

Verificar is slightly more formal and implies a technical process.

Verificar a pressão vs Conferir o troco.

conferir vs Cotejar

Both involve comparison.

Cotejar is strictly for comparing two documents or texts in a very formal way.

Cotejar as edições da obra.

conferir vs Outorgar

Both mean to bestow.

Outorgar is legal/official; conferir can also be used for qualities or honors.

Outorgar uma escritura vs Conferir um prêmio.

conferir vs Revisar

Both involve looking at something again.

Revisar implies looking with the intent to edit or fix errors.

Revisar um texto vs Conferir se o texto está lá.

Sentence Patterns

Vou conferir [objeto].

Vou conferir o preço.

Confira se [oração].

Confira se o café está quente.

Preciso conferir [A] com [B].

Preciso conferir o extrato com os recibos.

Dê uma conferida em [objeto].

Dê uma conferida no meu projeto.

[Sujeito] confere [qualidade] a [objeto/pessoa].

A cor azul confere calma ao ambiente.

Conferir-se-á [objeto] a [pessoa].

Conferir-se-á o título ao vencedor.

Any

Falta conferir [objeto].

Falta conferir os convites.

Any

Pode conferir.

Está tudo certo, pode conferir.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

Eu confero os documentos. → Eu confiro os documentos.
The verb 'conferir' has a stem change in the first person singular present tense.
Vou confirmar a lista de compras. → Vou conferir a lista de compras.
You 'conferir' a list to see what's on it; you 'confirmar' a fact or plan.
Confere se ele chegou? → Confira se ele chegou? (or 'Dá uma conferida')
'Confere' is the informal 'tu' imperative. In most neutral/formal contexts, use 'confira'.
O prêmio conferiu o ator. → O prêmio foi conferido ao ator.
The prize is bestowed 'to' someone (conferir algo a alguém).
Eu conferi com o mapa se estávamos certos. → Eu conferi no mapa se estávamos certos.
While 'com' is for comparing two things, 'no' (in/on) is used for checking a reference source like a map.

Tips

The 'I' Rule

Always remember 'Eu confiro'. If you say 'confero', you'll sound like a beginner. This change happens in the present tense.

Polite Checking

When you want to check someone's work, say 'Vou dar uma conferida' instead of 'Vou conferir'. It sounds less aggressive and more like a quick look.

The Change Rule

In small shops, always 'confira o troco'. It's expected and not considered rude.

Look for 'Confira!'

When browsing websites in Portuguese, 'Confira' is the button text for 'See more' or 'Check it out'.

Gate Checking

At airports, look for screens saying 'Confira seu portão' to find your departure gate.

Data Verification

In a job interview, saying you are 'meticuloso ao conferir dados' (meticulous when checking data) is a great trait to mention.

Link in Bio

On Instagram, Brazilians say 'Confira no link da bio' to tell you where to find more info.

Locking Up

Before sleeping, 'confira as trancas' (check the locks). It's a common safety phrase.

Degree Bestowing

If you see 'Grau conferido em...', it means the date the degree was awarded.

Avoid Checar

Try to use 'conferir' instead of 'checar' to broaden your vocabulary and sound more authentic.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'conferir' as 'Confirm + Verify'. It starts with 'CON' like confirm and ends with 'IR' like verify (sort of).

Visual Association

Imagine someone holding a checklist and a pen, ticking off boxes. That act of ticking is 'conferir'.

Word Web

Check Verify Compare Bestow Award Audit Scan Observe

Challenge

Go to a Portuguese news site and find three sentences using 'confira' in the imperative. Write them down and translate them.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'conferre', which is a combination of 'com-' (together) and 'ferre' (to bring/carry).

Original meaning: To bring together, to compare, or to contribute.

Romance (Latin root)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral and safe word.

English speakers might over-use 'checar' because it sounds like 'check'. Using 'conferir' will make you sound more like a native and less like a translator.

VAR (Video Assistant Referee) in Brazilian football broadcasts. Academic diplomas in Portugal usually start with 'A Universidade confere...' News segments often titled 'Confira os destaques'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the store

Pode conferir o preço?
Vou conferir o troco.
Confira a validade.
Dá para conferir o estoque?

At work

Confira os dados da planilha.
Preciso conferir o relatório.
Já conferiu os e-mails?
Vamos conferir os resultados.

With friends

Confira aquele carro!
Dá uma conferida no meu look.
Vou conferir se ele vem.
Confira o vídeo que te mandei.

Travel

Confira o portão de embarque.
Vou conferir o mapa.
Confira se pegou o passaporte.
Confira o horário do voo.

Legal/Official

Conferir poderes ao advogado.
Conferir a autenticidade.
Conferir um diploma.
Conferir direitos.

Conversation Starters

"Você costuma conferir o troco quando vai às compras?"

"Você pode conferir para mim se a porta está trancada?"

"Já foi conferir o novo filme que estreou no cinema?"

"Como você faz para conferir se uma notícia é verdadeira?"

"Você prefere conferir tudo sozinho ou pede ajuda?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma vez que você esqueceu de conferir algo importante e o que aconteceu depois.

Liste cinco coisas que você confere todos os dias antes de sair de casa.

Descreva a importância de conferir as fontes de informação na internet hoje em dia.

Se você pudesse conferir um prêmio a alguém, quem seria e por quê?

Imagine que você é um auditor. Descreva o seu dia de trabalho usando o verbo conferir.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it's very informal and can be slightly objectifying, similar to 'check out' in English. It's better to use 'olhar' or 'dar uma olhada' in most cases.

No, 'confero' is a common mistake. Because it's an -ir verb with an 'e' in the stem, the 'e' changes to 'i' in the first person singular present tense: 'eu confiro'.

Use 'conferir' when you are looking at details to find errors or compare. Use 'confirmar' when you are saying 'yes' to a reservation, a date, or a fact.

You can say 'conferir de novo' or 're-conferir'. In Brazil, you might hear 'conferir novamente'.

Yes, it is very common in Portugal, though they might use 'verificar' or 'confirmar' in some contexts where Brazilians prefer 'conferir'.

Yes, 'conferir o placar' (check the scoreboard) or 'conferir os pontos' is very common.

It means 'to be confirmed' or 'yet to be seen'. It's often used when someone tells a rumor.

Actually, for 'ticking' a box, we usually say 'marcar' or 'assinalar'. 'Conferir' is the act of looking at the box to see if it's marked.

Yes, 'conferência' can mean a meeting (conference) or the act of checking/verifying (e.g., 'conferência de mercadoria').

Mostly. It follows the regular -ir pattern, except for the 'e' to 'i' stem change in the present tense (confiro, confira).