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A2 verb 10 min read

consultar

Examples consultar in 30 Seconds
Explanation consultar in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'consultar' is a very useful word for basic daily tasks. You will mostly use it to talk about checking simple information like the time, the price of an item, or a word in a dictionary. Think of it as a slightly more formal version of 'olhar' (to look). For example, if you are shopping, you might 'consultar o preço' (check the price). If you are in class, you might 'consultar o livro' (check the book). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar; just remember that it is a regular '-ar' verb. Focus on the present tense: 'Eu consulto o mapa' (I check the map). It is a great word to help you navigate a new city or a new language environment because it describes the action of seeking help from a source of information. You will also see it on signs in public places, such as 'Consulte o horário' (Check the schedule) at a bus stop. Learning this word early helps you describe your efforts to learn and understand the world around you in Portuguese.
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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'consultar' in more varied contexts, especially regarding health and appointments. This is where you learn that 'consultar o médico' means to see a doctor. You will also start using it for more digital actions, like 'consultar o e-mail' (check your email) or 'consultar o saldo' (check your bank balance). At this level, you should be comfortable with the past tense (pretérito perfeito): 'Eu consultei o dicionário ontem' (I consulted the dictionary yesterday). You will also notice the noun 'consulta', which is essential for making appointments. If you need to go to the dentist, you have a 'consulta no dentista'. Understanding the relationship between the verb and the noun is a key step in your progress. You are also expected to use it in the imperative form to give or follow instructions, such as 'Consulte o manual de instruções'. This level is about moving from simple information to professional interactions.
At the B1 level, 'consultar' becomes a tool for professional and academic discussion. You use it to describe research processes and seeking expert opinions. You might say, 'É importante consultar várias fontes antes de escrever um artigo' (It is important to consult several sources before writing an article). You also start to use the reflexive form 'consultar-se' more naturally to talk about your own health or professional needs. You will encounter the word in more formal settings, such as 'consultar um advogado' (consult a lawyer) or 'consultar a legislação' (consult the legislation). Your understanding of the word should now include the nuance of seeking authority. You aren't just looking for an answer; you are looking for the *correct* or *official* answer. You will also see it in business contexts, like 'consultar os sócios' (consult the partners). At B1, you are expected to use the future and conditional tenses: 'Eu consultaria o especialista se tivesse dinheiro' (I would consult the specialist if I had money).
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At the B2 level, you use 'consultar' to express abstract ideas and complex professional procedures. You might talk about 'consultar a consciência' (consulting one's conscience) or 'consultar o histórico' (checking the history/background) of a situation. You should be able to use the passive voice comfortably: 'Os peritos foram consultados para o relatório' (The experts were consulted for the report). This level requires a deeper understanding of synonyms like 'indagar' or 'averiguar' and knowing when 'consultar' is the better choice. You will see the word in political contexts, such as 'consultas públicas' (public consultations), where the government asks for the citizens' opinions. Your vocabulary should now include related terms like 'consultoria' (consultancy) and 'consultivo' (advisory). You can discuss the merits of different sources of information and use 'consultar' to describe a systematic approach to problem-solving in a professional environment.
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At the C1 level, 'consultar' is used with high precision in academic, legal, and literary contexts. you will use it to describe the methodology of a research project or the legal basis of an argument. For example, 'Ao consultar a bibliografia clássica, percebe-se uma lacuna no tema' (Upon consulting the classical bibliography, one notices a gap in the theme). You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word and how it relates to 'conselho' (advice) and 'consulado' (consulate). You can use the word in complex sentence structures involving the subjunctive mood: 'É fundamental que o governo consulte a população antes de mudar a lei' (It is fundamental that the government consults the population before changing the law). You are also aware of regional variations in usage between Portugal, Brazil, and Angola. Your use of 'consultar' reflects a sophisticated command of the language, allowing you to distinguish between a simple check and a formal, authoritative inquiry.
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At the C2 level, 'consultar' is a tool for nuanced expression in the highest levels of discourse. You use it to discuss diplomatic relations, philosophical inquiries, and complex institutional frameworks. You might analyze how a text 'consulta' (references or dialogues with) another text in a literary sense. You can use the word in highly formal speeches or technical documents where every word carries weight. For instance, 'A soberania nacional exige que se consultem os tratados internacionais' (National sovereignty requires that international treaties be consulted). You understand the most obscure idioms and historical usages of the verb. Your command of the language allows you to use 'consultar' as a rhetorical device to imply thoroughness, respect for authority, and intellectual rigor. You are also able to critique the 'consultoria' industry or the process of 'consulta' in democratic systems using precise and varied vocabulary. At this level, 'consultar' is not just a verb, but a concept representing the intersection of knowledge, authority, and deliberation.
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Examples

consultar in 30 Seconds

  • Consultar means to look up information or seek expert advice.
  • It is a regular -ar verb used in medical, legal, and academic contexts.
  • Commonly used for checking bank balances, dictionaries, and schedules.
  • Can be used reflexively (consultar-se) when seeking a professional appointment.
The Portuguese verb consultar is a versatile and essential term that primary translates to 'to consult' or 'to look up' in English. At its core, it describes the action of seeking information, advice, or professional guidance from a specific source, whether that source is a person, a document, or a digital platform. In daily life, you will encounter this word most frequently when dealing with professional services or information retrieval. For instance, when you are feeling unwell, you might say you need to consult a doctor. In a more academic or administrative context, you might consult a dictionary, a map, or a database. The word implies a purposeful search for knowledge or a formal request for an expert opinion. Unlike the simple act of 'asking' (perguntar), consultar suggests a level of formality or a systematic approach to finding an answer. It is deeply rooted in the Latin 'consultare', which means to deliberate or consider maturely. In modern Portuguese, this deliberation is evident when a lawyer consults the law or when a business person consults their partners before making a decision.
Professional Context
Used when seeking the expertise of specialists like doctors, lawyers, or architects. It implies a formal appointment or a professional relationship.

Preciso consultar o meu advogado antes de assinar este contrato de aluguel.

Informational Context
Used when checking references such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, or websites to verify facts or meanings.

Se você não sabe o significado da palavra, deve consultar o dicionário online.

Vou consultar o saldo da minha conta bancária no aplicativo do banco.

Spiritual Context
In certain Lusophone cultures, it is common to hear about consulting oracles, tarot cards, or spiritual guides (consultar os búzios).

Muitas pessoas decidem consultar o horóscopo todas as manhãs para ver as previsões.

Você já tentou consultar o manual de instruções do aparelho?

Furthermore, 'consultar' is frequently used in the context of checking status or availability. For example, a traveler might consult the flight schedule, or a student might consult their grades. It implies a verification process. In business, 'consultoria' (consultancy) is a massive industry, and the verb 'consultar' is the engine behind it. When a company faces a challenge, they consult experts to find a solution. This word bridges the gap between simple looking and deep analysis. It is a fundamental verb for anyone navigating professional or academic life in a Portuguese-speaking country.
Using the verb consultar correctly requires understanding its transitivity and the prepositions that often accompany it. As a transitive verb, it usually takes a direct object—the thing or person being consulted. For example, 'consultar o livro' (consult the book) or 'consultar o médico' (consult the doctor). However, when the action is reflexive, meaning you are seeking a consultation for yourself, the preposition 'com' (with) is frequently used: 'Eu me consultei com o especialista'. This distinction is subtle but important for reaching a natural level of fluency. In the present tense, the verb follows the regular '-ar' conjugation pattern: eu consulto, você consulta, nós consultamos, eles consultam. This makes it relatively easy for beginners to master.
Direct Object Usage
The most straightforward way to use the verb is by placing the source of information directly after the verb.

Ela precisa consultar o mapa para encontrar o caminho correto até a aldeia.

Reflexive Usage
When talking about medical or professional appointments for oneself, use the reflexive pronoun.

Eu vou me consultar com uma nutricionista na próxima semana.

O cientista decidiu consultar os arquivos históricos para validar sua teoria.

Future Intentions
Using the 'ir + infinitive' structure is the most common way to express a future need to check something.

Nós vamos consultar a meteorologia antes de planejar a viagem à praia.

Por favor, consulte a lista de convidados na entrada do evento.

In imperative forms, you will often see it on signs or in instructions. 'Consulte as instruções' (Consult the instructions) or 'Consulte o seu médico antes de usar este medicamento' (Consult your doctor before using this medicine). This usage is critical for safety and compliance. In more advanced structures, you might find the past participle 'consultado'. For example, 'O especialista foi consultado sobre o caso' (The specialist was consulted about the case). This passive voice construction is common in news reporting and academic writing. Whether you are checking a clock, a dictionary, or a professional advisor, consultar is the verb that describes the deliberate search for clarity. It is a bridge between doubt and certainty.
You will hear the word consultar in a variety of real-world settings across the Portuguese-speaking world. In a hospital or clinic, the receptionists will often ask if you have a 'consulta' or if you are there to 'se consultar' with a specific doctor. In a bank, an employee might ask you to 'consultar o extrato' (check the statement) at the ATM or on your phone app. In schools and universities, professors will frequently tell students to 'consultar a bibliografia' (consult the bibliography) for their research papers. This word is also ubiquitous in the digital world. Almost every Portuguese-language website with a help section will have a button or link saying 'Consulte as dúvidas frequentes' (Consult the frequently asked questions).
At the Hospital
'Você precisa consultar um clínico geral antes de ir ao especialista.'

O paciente deve consultar os resultados dos exames no portal do laboratório.

In the Office
'Vou consultar a minha agenda para ver se tenho horário livre amanhã.'

Temos que consultar a gerência sobre as novas políticas de férias.

Amanhã vou consultar o saldo do meu cartão de transporte público.

Legal and Administrative
'É necessário consultar o Diário Oficial para ver a nomeação dos novos servidores.'

Os cidadãos podem consultar os gastos do governo no Portal da Transparência.

Não se esqueça de consultar o manual antes de montar o móvel novo.

In Brazil, you might also hear it in a spiritual context, such as 'consultar um pai de santo' or 'consultar as cartas'. This shows that the word covers everything from highly technical scientific research to deeply personal spiritual seeking. In news broadcasts, reporters might say 'Consultamos a assessoria de imprensa, mas não obtivemos resposta' (We consulted the press office, but received no response). This demonstrates its utility in professional journalism. Whether you are in a bustling city like São Paulo or a quiet town in the Alentejo, consultar is the go-to word for finding out the truth or getting expert help.
Even though consultar is a cognate of the English 'to consult', learners often make mistakes regarding its application and the prepositions used. One of the most frequent errors is using 'perguntar' (to ask) when consultar is more appropriate. While you 'perguntar' a simple question to a friend, you 'consultar' a specialist for a professional opinion. Another common pitfall is the confusion between 'consultar' and 'procurar' (to look for). If you are looking for your keys, you 'procura' the keys. If you are looking for information in a book, you 'consulta' the book.
Mistake: Using 'Perguntar' for Professional Advice
Incorrect: 'Eu vou perguntar o médico sobre a minha dor.' Correct: 'Eu vou consultar o médico sobre a minha dor.'

Ao consultar um dicionário, você busca uma definição técnica, não apenas uma opinião.

Mistake: Preposition Overuse
Learners often try to say 'consultar para o livro' or 'consultar em o livro'. In Portuguese, it is simply 'consultar o livro'.

Evite dizer 'consultar no Google'; prefira 'consultar o Google' para soar mais natural.

Muitos alunos confundem consultar com 'verificar'. Enquanto verificar é checar se algo está certo, consultar é buscar informação nova.

Confusion with 'Verificar'
You 'verificar' if the door is locked, but you 'consultar' a manual to learn how to lock it.

Você deve consultar as fontes originais para evitar a propagação de notícias falsas.

Ao consultar o saldo, certifique-se de que ninguém está olhando sua senha.

Furthermore, avoid using consultar for social interactions. You don't 'consultar' a friend about what they want for dinner (that's 'perguntar'). You 'consultar' them if they are an expert on the cuisine and you want their professional recommendation. Lastly, be careful with the word 'consul'. While etymologically related, a 'cônsul' is a diplomatic official, and while you might 'consultar o cônsul', the words have very different everyday uses. By keeping these distinctions in mind, you will avoid the most common traps that English speakers fall into when using this verb.
To enrich your Portuguese vocabulary, it is helpful to know synonyms and related words for consultar. Depending on the context, you might choose a more specific verb to convey your meaning more precisely. For example, 'averiguar' implies a deeper investigation, while 'checar' is a more informal way of saying 'to check'. If you are looking for advice, 'aconselhar-se' (to take advice) is a strong alternative. In a business context, 'assessorar' (to provide assistance/consultancy) is often used when the expert is the subject of the sentence.
Consultar vs. Verificar
Consultar is about seeking information. 'Verificar' is about confirming the state of something.

Vou consultar o manual para aprender a usar a máquina, e depois vou verificar se ela está ligada.

Consultar vs. Pesquisar
Consultar is usually a quick check of a specific source. 'Pesquisar' involves a broader, more time-consuming research process.

Preciso consultar uma data, mas ele precisa pesquisar toda a história do Brasil.

Em vez de consultar o dicionário físico, muitos preferem buscar no Google.

Aconselhar-se
This reflexive verb is specifically for seeking advice. 'Eu me aconselhei com meu pai' means I sought his wisdom.

Sempre é bom consultar mais de uma opinião antes de tomar uma decisão difícil.

O juiz deve consultar a jurisprudência para fundamentar sua sentença.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to navigate different registers of the language. If you are writing a formal essay, 'consultar' or 'pesquisar' are excellent. If you are texting a friend about a movie time, 'ver' (to see) or 'olhar' (to look) might be more appropriate. However, consultar remains the most versatile and professional-sounding choice for information retrieval. It shows that you are not just looking randomly, but that you are seeking authoritative information. By mastering 'consultar' and its cousins, you build a robust toolkit for communication in any Lusophone environment.
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Examples by Level

1

Eu vou consultar o dicionário.

I am going to consult the dictionary.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

2

Você pode consultar o mapa?

Can you check the map?

Modal verb 'poder' + infinitive.

3

Ela consulta as horas no relógio.

She checks the time on the watch.

Simple present tense.

4

Nós consultamos o preço da fruta.

We check the price of the fruit.

Regular -ar verb in present tense.

5

Consulte o guia da cidade.

Consult the city guide.

Imperative form (você).

6

Eles consultam o site da escola.

They check the school website.

Third person plural present.

7

Vou consultar o cardápio agora.

I'll check the menu now.

Future intention.

8

O aluno consulta o livro de gramática.

The student consults the grammar book.

Subject-verb agreement.

1

Preciso consultar um médico esta semana.

I need to consult a doctor this week.

Medical context.

2

Vou consultar o saldo da minha conta.

I'm going to check my account balance.

Banking context.

3

Você já consultou o seu e-mail hoje?

Have you checked your email today?

Pretérito perfeito (past tense).

4

Eles consultaram o horário do trem.

They checked the train schedule.

Past tense plural.

5

Consulte o manual antes de usar a máquina.

Consult the manual before using the machine.

Imperative instruction.

6

Nós nos consultamos com o dentista.

We had a consultation with the dentist.

Reflexive form 'consultar-se'.

7

Ela quer consultar a previsão do tempo.

She wants to check the weather forecast.

Verb 'querer' + infinitive.

8

O professor consultou a lista de presença.

The teacher checked the attendance list.

Standard administrative use.

1

O advogado vai consultar a lei.

The lawyer will consult the law.

Legal context.

2

É melhor consultar um especialista em finanças.

It's better to consult a finance specialist.

Professional advice.

3

Sempre consulto as fontes de informação.

I always consult the sources of information.

Adverb of frequency 'sempre'.

4

Eles decidiram consultar os vizinhos sobre a obra.

They decided to consult the neighbors about the construction.

Social/community consultation.

5

Vou consultar o meu gerente sobre o aumento.

I will consult my manager about the raise.

Workplace context.

6

A empresa consultou uma agência de marketing.

The company consulted a marketing agency.

Corporate usage.

7

Temos que consultar a agenda antes de marcar.

We have to check the calendar before scheduling.

Obligation with 'ter que'.

8

Você deve consultar o regulamento do concurso.

You must consult the competition rules.

Formal requirement.

1

O governo deve consultar a opinião pública.

The government must consult public opinion.

Political context.

2

Consultei minha consciência e decidi não ir.

I consulted my conscience and decided not to go.

Metaphorical/Abstract use.

3

Os cientistas consultaram dados de dez anos atrás.

The scientists consulted data from ten years ago.

Scientific research.

4

Foi necessário consultar o histórico do paciente.

It was necessary to consult the patient's history.

Impersonal 'foi necessário'.

5

O autor consultou arquivos secretos para o livro.

The author consulted secret archives for the book.

Investigative context.

6

Antes de investir, consulte um consultor qualificado.

Before investing, consult a qualified consultant.

Financial imperative.

7

A diretoria consultou os funcionários sobre a mudança.

The board consulted the employees about the change.

Internal communication.

8

Vou consultar a jurisprudência deste caso.

I will consult the case law for this case.

Specific legal terminology.

1

A tese exige que se consultem obras raras.

The thesis requires that rare works be consulted.

Passive with 'se' and subjunctive.

2

O diplomata consultou o protocolo internacional.

The diplomat consulted international protocol.

Diplomatic context.

3

Convém consultar a etimologia das palavras.

It is advisable to consult the etymology of the words.

Formal verb 'convém'.

4

Eles consultaram o oráculo em busca de respostas.

They consulted the oracle in search of answers.

Literary/Historical context.

5

O arquiteto consultou o plano diretor da cidade.

The architect consulted the city's master plan.

Technical/Urban planning.

6

Não se pode decidir sem consultar as partes interessadas.

One cannot decide without consulting the stakeholders.

Complex negation and formal subject.

7

O historiador consultou fontes primárias inéditas.

The historian consulted unpublished primary sources.

Academic rigor.

8

Sugiro que você consulte o estatuto da fundação.

I suggest that you consult the foundation's statutes.

Subjunctive mood after 'sugiro'.

1

A hermenêutica permite consultar o subtexto da obra.

Hermeneutics allows for consulting the work's subtext.

Philosophical context.

2

O conselho de segurança consultou os tratados de paz.

The security council consulted the peace treaties.

High-level institutional use.

3

É imperativo que o relator consulte os peritos.

It is imperative that the rapporteur consults the experts.

Advanced subjunctive construction.

4

Ao consultar o âmago da questão, descobrimos o erro.

Upon consulting the heart of the matter, we discovered the error.

Metaphorical depth.

5

A soberania popular é exercida ao consultar o povo.

Popular sovereignty is exercised by consulting the people.

Political philosophy.

6

O ensaísta consulta a tradição para inovar a forma.

The essayist consults tradition to innovate the form.

Literary theory.

7

Faz-se necessário consultar a viabilidade técnica.

It becomes necessary to consult the technical feasibility.

Formal impersonal structure.

8

O projeto foi aprovado após consultar as instâncias superiores.

The project was approved after consulting the higher authorities.

Passive voice and administrative jargon.

Common Collocations

Consultar o dicionário
Consultar o médico
Consultar o saldo
Consultar o mapa
Consultar a agenda
Consultar o manual
Consultar um advogado
Consultar o horóscopo
Consultar as fontes
Consultar o catálogo

Common Phrases

Consulte o seu médico

— A standard medical warning found on medicine packaging.

Antes de tomar, consulte o seu médico.

Consultar os búzios

— A spiritual practice in Afro-Brazilian religions to seek guidance.

Ela foi ao terreiro consultar os búzios.

Consultar o travesseiro

— An idiom meaning to sleep on a decision.

Vou consultar o travesseiro e te dou a resposta amanhã.

Consulte as bases

— In politics, to talk to the common supporters before deciding.

O líder precisa consultar as bases do partido.

Consultar o histórico

— To check past events or records of a person or machine.

O técnico consultou o histórico do computador.

Consulta
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