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A1 verb #2,000 most common 15 min read

escolher

Top 2,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips escolher in 30 Seconds

Explanation escolher in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'escolher' is a vital functional verb. Learners use it to express basic needs and preferences in everyday situations. It is primarily used in the present tense to make simple choices: 'Eu escolho o café' (I choose the coffee) or 'Você escolhe o livro' (You choose the book). The focus is on the direct object. Learners also learn to use it with the immediate future 'vou escolher' to talk about what they are about to do. At this stage, the nuances of prepositions are less important than the basic ability to communicate a choice in a shop, restaurant, or among friends. It is one of the first regular -er verbs taught because of its high frequency and practical utility. Learners should focus on the basic conjugation: escolho, escolhe, escolhemos, escolhem. Understanding that 'escolher' means 'to choose' or 'to pick' is sufficient for this level, allowing the student to participate in simple interactions where a decision is required. The goal is communicative competence in predictable, routine tasks.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'escolher' in the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito) to describe decisions they have already made: 'Ontem, eu escolhi um novo carro' (Yesterday, I chose a new car). They also start to use the preposition 'entre' to express choices between two or more items: 'Tive que escolher entre o azul e o verde'. The vocabulary surrounding 'escolher' expands to include common nouns like 'opção', 'decisão', and 'preferência'. Learners are expected to handle more varied social situations, such as explaining why they chose something. They might also encounter the verb in the imperative form, especially in instructions or advice: 'Escolha o melhor caminho'. At this stage, the distinction between 'escolher' (to select) and 'pegar' (to physically pick up) becomes more important to avoid common errors. The learner is moving from simple identification to describing processes and justifying choices in a basic way.

At the B1 level, 'escolher' is used in more complex sentence structures, including the use of the infinitive: 'Nós escolhemos viajar para o Brasil este ano'. Learners start to use the imperfect tense (Pretérito Imperfeito) to talk about habitual choices or background situations: 'Quando eu era criança, eu sempre escolhia o mesmo sabor de sorvete'. The subjunctive mood begins to appear in expressions of desire or doubt: 'Quero que você escolha o que for melhor para você'. Learners also become familiar with common idioms and phrases like 'escolher a dedo' (to hand-pick). The context of use shifts from purely physical items to more abstract concepts like choosing a career, a lifestyle, or a strategy. B1 learners should be able to navigate a conversation about pros and cons, using 'escolher' as a central verb to describe their decision-making process. They also start to recognize the difference between 'escolher' and more formal synonyms like 'optar' or 'selecionar' in different registers.

At the B2 level, learners use 'escolher' with a high degree of fluency and accuracy. They can handle complex grammatical structures, such as the future subjunctive or the conditional: 'Se eu pudesse escolher, eu escolheria morar na praia'. They understand the nuances of register, knowing when to use 'escolher' versus 'optar por' or 'selecionar' in professional or academic writing. The verb is used to discuss abstract and hypothetical situations with ease. B2 learners can also use the passive voice ('O tema foi escolhido pela turma') and the reflexive-passive ('Escolhe-se o melhor método') appropriately. They are familiar with a wider range of collocations and can use the verb to express subtle differences in meaning, such as the deliberation implied in 'escolher cuidadosamente'. At this level, the learner is expected to use 'escolher' to engage in debates, provide detailed explanations of complex decisions, and understand the cultural implications of choice in Lusophone literature and media.

At the C1 level, the use of 'escolher' is sophisticated and nuanced. The learner can use the verb in all moods and tenses with precision, including rare or literary forms. They are sensitive to the stylistic effects of choosing 'escolher' over its synonyms to create a specific tone. C1 learners can discuss the philosophical implications of 'escolha' (choice) and 'livre-arbítrio' (free will) using the verb in abstract, high-level discourse. They understand and can use idiomatic expressions and metaphors involving the verb in a natural way. In professional contexts, they can use 'escolher' to describe complex selection processes, evaluation criteria, and strategic decision-making. Their understanding of the verb includes its historical development and its role in various dialects of Portuguese. They can also identify and use the verb in different literary styles, from classical prose to modern poetry, appreciating how the act of choosing is framed by different authors.

At the C2 level, the learner has a native-like command of 'escolher'. They can use the verb with absolute precision in any context, from the most informal slang to the most formal legal or academic language. They are aware of the subtle connotations that 'escolher' carries in different Portuguese-speaking cultures and can adapt their usage accordingly. A C2 learner can play with the verb, using it in puns, wordplay, and complex rhetorical structures. They have a deep understanding of the semantic field of 'selection' and can choose between 'escolher', 'selecionar', 'optar', 'eleger', 'separar', and 'distinguir' with perfect accuracy to convey the exact shade of meaning intended. Their use of the verb is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, reflecting a profound integration of the language's grammatical, lexical, and cultural dimensions. They can analyze the use of the verb in complex texts and contribute to high-level discussions on any topic where choice and decision-making are central.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

escolher in 30 Seconds

Escolher is the primary Portuguese verb for 'to choose' or 'to select' from a set of options.
It is a regular -er verb, making its conjugation predictable and easy for beginners to learn.
It is used in almost every context, from ordering food to making major life decisions.
Commonly paired with the preposition 'entre' when choosing between two or more specific things.

The Portuguese verb escolher is a cornerstone of daily communication, representing the fundamental human act of selection. Derived from the Latin excolligere (to gather out), it implies a process of identifying and taking one or more options from a larger set. For a beginner (A1), it is the primary tool for navigating basic needs, such as ordering food or shopping. However, as one progresses, the verb takes on deeper philosophical and practical nuances. It isn't just about 'picking'; it's about the exercise of agency and preference. In the Lusophone world, the act of choosing is often associated with personal taste and social identity. When you escolhe something, you are not merely selecting; you are expressing a part of yourself. This verb is regular in its conjugation, ending in '-er', which makes it one of the more accessible verbs for learners to master early on. It bridges the gap between passive observation and active participation in the world around you.

Core Concept: The intentional act of selecting a specific item or path from multiple possibilities based on preference, quality, or necessity.

Eu preciso escolher um presente para a minha mãe.

In a broader sense, escolher covers everything from the mundane (choosing a color) to the monumental (choosing a career). It is distinct from pegar (to pick up/take) because it requires a mental decision before the physical action. In Portuguese culture, the process of choosing can be seen as a social event; for example, at a traditional market, the vendor might encourage you to 'escolha bem' (choose well), highlighting the importance of quality. The verb also appears in various abstract contexts, such as 'escolher palavras' (to choose words carefully), showing its versatility in describing both physical and intellectual selection. It is the root of the noun escolha (choice), and together they form the basis of discussing options, alternatives, and decisions in any Portuguese-speaking environment. Whether you are in Lisbon, Luanda, or Rio de Janeiro, mastering this verb allows you to express your desires and navigate the complexities of daily life with confidence. It is a verb of empowerment, reflecting the speaker's ability to evaluate and decide.

Etymology: From Latin 'ex-' (out) + 'colligere' (to collect). Literally 'to collect out' or 'to select from a group'.

Você já escolheu o que vai comer?

The semantic field of escolher is vast. It overlaps with selecionar, which is often used in more formal or technical contexts (like selecting files on a computer), and optar, which usually involves choosing between two distinct paths or options (often followed by the preposition 'por'). However, escolher remains the most common and versatile term. It is used in politics (escolher um candidato), in romance (escolher um parceiro), and in simple daily routines. The act of choosing is often framed as a responsibility in Portuguese culture, as seen in the proverb 'Quem muito escolhe, pouco acerta' (He who chooses too much, rarely gets it right), which warns against over-analyzing decisions. This cultural nuance suggests that while choosing is important, being decisive is also valued. For a learner, understanding when to use escolher versus its synonyms is key to sounding natural. While 'selecionar' might sound too robotic in a restaurant, 'escolher' fits perfectly. It carries a warmth and personal touch that technical synonyms lack. As you practice, try to notice how native speakers use it to express not just a choice, but a preference or a judgment of value.

Eles escolheram morar no campo para ter mais paz.

Synonym Note: While 'optar' is formal, 'escolher' is the go-to verb for almost every situation involving a choice.

É difícil escolher apenas um livro nesta livraria.

Nós vamos escolher o melhor caminho para a viagem.

Using escolher correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure and the prepositions that often accompany it. As a transitive verb, it usually takes a direct object—the thing being chosen. For example, 'Eu escolho o café' (I choose the coffee). However, when you are choosing between things, you use the preposition entre. For example, 'Eu tenho que escolher entre o azul e o vermelho' (I have to choose between the blue and the red). This is a common point of confusion for English speakers who might want to use 'de' or other prepositions. Another important structure is using escolher followed by an infinitive verb to indicate a choice of action: 'Ela escolheu estudar medicina' (She chose to study medicine). In this case, no preposition is needed between 'escolheu' and 'estudar'. This direct connection is a hallmark of Portuguese syntax that simplifies the expression of intent.

Grammar Pattern 1: [Subject] + escolher + [Direct Object]. Example: 'Nós escolhemos o restaurante.'

Você pode escolher qualquer um destes pratos.

Conjugation is another vital aspect. Since it is a regular '-er' verb, the endings are predictable: eu escolho, tu escolhes, ele/ela/você escolhe, nós escolhemos, vós escolheis, eles/elas/vocês escolhem. In the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), it becomes: eu escolhi, você escolheu, nós escolhemos, eles escolheram. Note that 'nós escolhemos' is the same in both present and past, which is common in Portuguese and usually clarified by context or time markers like 'ontem' (yesterday) or 'agora' (now). When using the verb in the future, you can use the simple future (escolherei) or the more common 'ir + infinitive' construction: 'Vou escolher' (I am going to choose). This latter form is much more frequent in spoken Portuguese across all dialects. Mastering these forms allows you to talk about past decisions, current preferences, and future plans seamlessly.

Grammar Pattern 2: [Subject] + escolher + entre + [Option A] + e + [Option B]. Example: 'Escolha entre o mar e a montanha.'

Se você tivesse que escolher, qual cor preferiria?

Furthermore, escolher can be used in the passive voice, though it's less common in casual speech: 'O vencedor foi escolhido pelo público' (The winner was chosen by the public). In more formal writing, you might see the reflexive-passive 'escolhe-se': 'Escolhe-se o melhor candidato através de testes' (The best candidate is chosen through tests). For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of the subjunctive mood with escolher is crucial. For example, 'Espero que você escolha bem' (I hope you choose well) uses the present subjunctive 'escolha'. This mood is used because the speaker is expressing a wish or uncertainty about a future choice. Similarly, 'Se eu escolhesse...' (If I chose...) uses the imperfect subjunctive to talk about hypothetical situations. These structures allow for a much more sophisticated level of expression, moving beyond simple facts to hopes, doubts, and conditions.

Eles escolheram não participar da reunião hoje.

Subjunctive Use: 'É importante que nós escolhamos com cuidado.' (It is important that we choose carefully.)

Quem escolheu este filme? É muito chato!

Nós escolhemos viajar de trem em vez de avião.

The verb escolher is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking societies, echoing through various social and professional settings. One of the most common places you will hear it is in a restaurant or café. A waiter might ask, 'Já escolheu o seu pedido?' (Have you already chosen your order?) or 'O que deseja escolher para a sobremesa?' (What do you wish to choose for dessert?). In these contexts, it is the standard verb for the act of ordering. Similarly, in retail environments, shop assistants will often say, 'Fique à vontade para escolher' (Feel free to choose/browse), or you might ask a friend, 'Qual destas camisas você escolheria?' (Which of these shirts would you choose?). These daily interactions make escolher an essential part of the 'survival' vocabulary for any traveler or expat.

Setting: Marketplace: At a 'feira', vendors shout 'Venha escolher as melhores frutas!' (Come choose the best fruits!).

O garçom perguntou se já escolhemos o vinho.

In professional and academic settings, escolher is used to discuss strategy and decision-making. In a meeting, a manager might say, 'Precisamos escolher a melhor estratégia para o próximo trimestre' (We need to choose the best strategy for the next quarter). Students are often told to 'escolher um tema para a redação' (choose a theme for the essay). In these more formal contexts, while 'selecionar' or 'optar' might be used, escolher remains the most natural way to describe the human element of decision-making. It is also a key term in politics and civic life. During elections, the media will talk about how the people 'escolhem os seus representantes' (choose their representatives). The word escolha (choice) is frequently used in political slogans and debates about public policy, emphasizing the power of the citizen's vote.

Setting: Professional: 'Temos que escolher entre dois candidatos para a vaga.'

A empresa escolheu expandir seus negócios para a Europa.

Furthermore, escolher is deeply embedded in media and entertainment. Reality shows often revolve around 'escolher' a winner or a partner. In movies and literature, characters are frequently faced with 'escolhas difíceis' (difficult choices). You will hear it in song lyrics, where artists sing about choosing a path in life or choosing to love someone. In digital spaces, although the interface might use 'selecionar', users will say, 'Eu escolhi aquela foto para o meu perfil' (I chose 그 photo for my profile). This highlights the distinction between the technical action and the personal decision. Even in sports, a coach must 'escolher os jogadores' (choose the players) for the starting lineup. The verb's presence across such diverse domains—from the kitchen to the boardroom, from the market to the stadium—underscores its status as a fundamental concept in the Portuguese language and culture.

Você deve escolher bem as suas amizades.

Setting: Media: 'O público vai escolher o vencedor através de uma votação online.'

Não é fácil escolher um destino de férias com tantas opções.

Eu escolho ser feliz todos os dias.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers learning escolher is the misuse of prepositions. In English, we often say 'choose from' a list. However, in Portuguese, you don't say 'escolher de uma lista'; instead, you use escolher em or simply use the direct object. For example, 'Escolha um item da lista' (Choose an item from the list) is correct, but 'escolher de' as a direct translation of 'choose from' often sounds awkward. Another common mistake is confusing escolher with pegar. While 'to pick' in English can mean both 'to select' and 'to physically lift', in Portuguese, escolher is strictly for selection and pegar is for the physical action. Saying 'Vou escolher o telefone' when you mean 'I'm going to pick up the phone' is a classic 'false friend' type of error. You should say 'Vou pegar o telefone'.

Mistake: Preposition Overuse: Incorrect: 'Eu escolhi de três opções.' Correct: 'Eu escolhi entre três opções' or 'Eu escolhi uma das três opções.'

Cuidado para não escolher a opção errada por pressa.

Another nuance involves the difference between escolher and eleger. While both mean 'to choose', eleger is almost exclusively used for formal elections or high-level appointments. If you say 'Eu elegi este prato no restaurante', it sounds like you held a formal vote to decide on your dinner, which is humorous but incorrect. Use escolher for personal choices. Furthermore, learners often struggle with the conjugation of the past tense 'escolhemos' (we chose) because it is identical to the present tense 'escolhemos' (we choose). To avoid confusion, always provide context. For example, 'Nós escolhemos o hotel ontem' (We chose the hotel yesterday) clearly indicates the past. Without 'ontem', the listener might assume you are currently in the process of choosing. This is a common feature of '-er' and '-ir' verbs in Portuguese that requires extra attention from students used to distinct past/present forms.

Mistake: Confusing with 'Optar': 'Optar' usually requires 'por'. Incorrect: 'Eu optei o carro azul.' Correct: 'Eu optei pelo carro azul' or 'Eu escolhi o carro azul.'

Muitos alunos escolhem o caminho mais fácil, mas nem sempre é o melhor.

Lastly, there is the issue of 'escolher' vs. 'preferir'. While 'preferir' expresses a general liking ('Eu prefiro chá'), 'escolher' expresses the actual act of selection in a specific moment ('Eu escolho o chá agora'). Learners sometimes use 'escolher' when they actually mean they have a general preference. For instance, 'Eu escolho chocolate' sounds like you are making a specific purchase, whereas 'Eu prefiro chocolate' describes your taste. Additionally, be careful with the pronunciation of the 'lh' sound. It is a palatal lateral approximant, similar to the 'lli' in 'million'. Mispronouncing it as a simple 'l' or 'y' (like 'escoler' or 'escoyer') can make the word difficult for native speakers to recognize. Practice the 'lh' by placing the middle of your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Mastering this sound is essential for many common Portuguese words, and escolher is a perfect word to practice with.

É um erro escolher sem antes ler as instruções.

Pronunciation Tip: The 'lh' in 'escolher' is like the 'gl' in Italian 'famiglia' or 'll' in some Spanish dialects.

Ninguém pode escolher por você; a decisão é sua.

Ela escolheu as palavras com muito cuidado para não ofender ninguém.

To truly master escolher, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a specific 'flavor' and context where it is most appropriate. Selecionar is the most direct synonym but carries a more formal or technical connotation. You 'selecionar' files on a computer, 'selecionar' candidates for a job based on specific criteria, or 'selecionar' the best grapes for a premium wine. It implies a more rigorous or systematic process than the often personal escolher. Optar, on the other hand, is frequently used when there are two or more distinct alternatives or paths. It is almost always followed by the preposition 'por' (or its contractions 'pelo', 'pela'). For example, 'Eu optei por ficar em casa' (I opted to stay home). It sounds slightly more deliberate and formal than escolher.

Comparison: Escolher vs Selecionar: 'Escolher' is personal and everyday; 'Selecionar' is technical, formal, or based on specific criteria.

Você deve selecionar os arquivos antes de enviá-los.

Another related verb is Preferir. While escolher is the action, preferir is the feeling or inclination. You might preferir chocolate ice cream in general, but today you escolher vanilla because it's a special artisanal flavor. A common mistake is using 'do que' with preferir (e.g., 'prefiro isso do que aquilo'), which is technically incorrect in formal Portuguese; the correct preposition is 'a' ('prefiro isso a aquilo'). Eleger is another synonym, but as mentioned, it is reserved for official contexts like elections ('eleger um presidente') or when someone is 'chosen' for a high honor. Finally, Separar can sometimes be used in the sense of 'picking out' or 'setting aside' something from a group, often used when sorting through items: 'Vou separar as roupas que não uso mais' (I'm going to set aside/choose the clothes I don't use anymore).

Comparison: Escolher vs Optar: 'Escolher' + direct object. 'Optar' + 'por'. Example: 'Escolhi o curso' vs 'Optei pelo curso'.

Muitas pessoas optam por uma vida mais simples no interior.

Understanding these distinctions helps in achieving a more native-like fluency. For instance, if you are talking about choosing a career, escolher uma carreira is perfect. If you are talking about choosing between two job offers, optar por uma das ofertas sounds very professional. If you are a scientist choosing samples for a study, selecionar as amostras is the correct terminology. By expanding your vocabulary to include these synonyms, you can tailor your speech to the specific context and level of formality required. It also helps in reading and listening comprehension, as you will encounter all these variations in different types of media. The verb escolher remains the anchor, but these similar words provide the necessary shades of meaning to express complex thoughts about decisions and preferences in Portuguese.

O júri teve dificuldade em eleger a melhor obra de arte.

Comparison: Escolher vs Preferir: 'Preferir' is about internal taste; 'Escolher' is about the external action of selection.

Eu prefiro o verão, mas escolhi viajar no inverno para ver a neve.

Precisamos separar o joio do trigo antes de tomar uma decisão.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Regular -er verb conjugation

Direct object pronouns

Preposition 'entre'

Present Subjunctive for wishes

Conditional for hypothetical choices

Examples by Level

Eu escolho este livro.

I choose this book.

Simple present tense, 1st person singular.

Você escolhe o café ou o chá?

Do you choose coffee or tea?

Question in the present tense.

Nós escolhemos a pizza de queijo.

We choose the cheese pizza.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

Eles escolhem as roupas azuis.

They choose the blue clothes.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

Vou escolher um presente agora.

I'm going to choose a gift now.

Immediate future: ir + infinitive.

Ela escolhe a maçã vermelha.

She chooses the red apple.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Pode escolher qualquer um.

You can choose any one.

Infinitive after a modal verb (poder).

O que você vai escolher?

What are you going to choose?

Future question with 'ir'.

Ontem, eu escolhi o filme.

Yesterday, I chose the movie.

Pretérito Perfeito (Past tense).

Eles escolheram viajar de ônibus.

They chose to travel by bus.

Past tense followed by an infinitive.

Nós escolhemos o restaurante para o jantar.

We chose the restaurant for dinner.

Past tense (identical to present for 'nós').

Você já escolheu o seu prato?

Have you already chosen your dish?

Perfect past with 'já'.

Ela escolheu as flores mais bonitas.

She chose the most beautiful flowers.

Past tense with superlative adjective.

Escolha entre estas duas opções.

Choose between these two options.

Imperative mood with preposition 'entre'.

Ninguém escolheu a resposta certa.

Nobody chose the right answer.

Negative sentence in the past tense.

Por que você escolheu este hotel?

Why did you choose this hotel?

Question in the past tense.

Eu sempre escolhia o mesmo sorvete quando era criança.

I always used to choose the same ice cream when I was a child.

Pretérito Imperfeito (Habitual past).

É importante que você escolha com cuidado.

It is important that you choose carefully.

Present Subjunctive after 'é importante que'.

Eles escolheram não participar do evento.

They chose not to participate in the event.

Negative infinitive construction.

Se eu pudesse, escolheria outro caminho.

If I could, I would choose another path.

Conditional mood in a hypothetical sentence.

Ela foi escolhida para representar a escola.

She was chosen to represent the school.

Passive voice (ser + past participle).

Nós ainda não escolhemos o destino das férias.

We haven't chosen the holiday destination yet.

Present perfect with 'ainda não'.

Você precisa escolher o que é melhor para sua carreira.

You need to choose what is best for your career.

Infinitive after 'precisar'.

Quem escolheu as cores da sala?

Who chose the colors of the room?

Interrogative pronoun 'quem' with past tense.

A empresa escolheu investir em tecnologia sustentável.

The company chose to invest in sustainable technology.

Past tense followed by an abstract infinitive phrase.

Caso você escolha sair, por favor nos avise.

In case you choose to leave, please let us know.

Present Subjunctive after 'caso'.

Os candidatos foram escolhidos a dedo pela diretoria.

The candidates were hand-picked by the board.

Idiomatic expression 'escolher a dedo'.

Não é fácil escolher entre a segurança e a aventura.

It's not easy to choose between security and adventure.

Abstract nouns with 'entre'.

Se tivéssemos escolhido outro fornecedor, o resultado seria diferente.

If we had chosen another supplier, the result would be different.

Past Unreal Conditional (Compound Subjunctive).

Escolhe-se o vencedor com base no mérito acadêmico.

The winner is chosen based on academic merit.

Reflexive passive 'se' construction.

Eles escolheram ignorar os avisos de perigo.

They chose to ignore the danger warnings.

Past tense with negative semantic infinitive.

A maneira como escolhemos nossas palavras define quem somos.

The way we choose our words defines who we are.

Relative clause with 'como' and present tense.

A liberdade reside na capacidade de escolher o próprio destino.

Freedom lies in the ability to choose one's own destiny.

Philosophical usage with abstract noun 'destino'.

Duvido que eles escolham a proposta mais arriscada.

I doubt they will choose the riskiest proposal.

Present Subjunctive after a verb of doubt (duvidar).

Ao escolhermos este caminho, assumimos toda a responsabilidade.

By choosing this path, we assume all responsibility.

Personal infinitive with 'ao'.

O autor escolheu uma linguagem arcaica para evocar o passado.

The author chose archaic language to evoke the past.

Literary analysis context.

Embora tenha escolhido a medicina, ele sempre amou a música.

Although he chose medicine, he always loved music.

Concessive clause with Compound Subjunctive.

É imperativo que escolhamos líderes íntegros.

It is imperative that we choose upright leaders.

Present Subjunctive after 'é imperativo que'.

A seleção foi feita de forma a escolher apenas os mais aptos.

The selection was made so as to choose only the most fit.

Complex purpose clause.

Escolheram-se os poemas que melhor representavam a geração.

The poems that best represented the generation were chosen.

Passive reflexive with plural agreement.

A existência precede a essência, pois o homem é o que ele escolhe ser.

Existence precedes essence, for man is what he chooses to be.

Existentialist philosophical quote (Sartre-inspired).

Oxalá escolhas o caminho da retidão e da sabedoria.

May you choose the path of righteousness and wisdom.

Archaic/Formal 'Oxalá' with 2nd person singular subjunctive.

A minúcia com que escolheu cada adjetivo é impressionante.

The meticulousness with which he chose each adjective is impressive.

Complex relative clause with preposition 'com'.

Não obstante tivessem escolhido a neutralidade, foram arrastados para o conflito.

Notwithstanding their choice of neutrality, they were dragged into the conflict.

Formal concessive 'não obstante' with pluperfect subjunctive.

A vida é um somatório das escolhas que fazemos e das que escolhemos não fazer.

Life is a summation of the choices we make and those we choose not to make.

Parallel structure with relative pronouns.

O destino, por vezes, escolhe por nós, à revelia da nossa vontade.

Destiny, at times, chooses for us, regardless of our will.

Personification of 'destino' with idiomatic 'à revelia'.

Escolher entre o mal menor e o bem incerto é o dilema do estadista.

Choosing between the lesser evil and the uncertain good is the statesman's dilemma.

Infinitive as a subject in a philosophical dilemma.

A obra prima resulta de um artista que soube escolher o silêncio em vez do ruído.

The masterpiece results from an artist who knew how to choose silence over noise.

Metaphorical usage in art criticism.

Synonyms

selecionar optar eleger preferir separar distinguir filtrar designar

Antonyms

rejeitar descartar abandonar ignorar

Common Collocations

escolher bem

escolher mal

escolher entre

escolher para

escolher cuidadosamente

escolher aleatoriamente

escolher por impulso

escolher um caminho

escolher uma opção

escolher a dedo

Common Phrases

Já escolheu?

Pode escolher.

Difícil escolher.

Escolha você.

Não sei o que escolher.

Escolher o melhor.

Escolher a dedo.

Escolher palavras.

Escolher um lado.

Escolher o futuro.

Often Confused With

escolher vs pegar (to physically pick up)

escolher vs acolher (to welcome)

escolher vs eleger (to elect formally)

Idioms & Expressions

"Escolher a dedo (To hand-pick/choose very carefully)"

"Quem muito escolhe, pouco acerta (He who hesitates is lost / Over-choosing leads to bad results)"

"Escolher o joio do trigo (To separate the wheat from the chaff)"

"Não ter por onde escolher (To have no choice)"

"Escolher a dedo (To pick the cream of the crop)"

"Escolher o caminho mais fácil (To take the easy way out)"

"Escolher as palavras (To weigh one's words)"

"Escolher a hora certa (To pick the right moment)"

"Escolher um lado (To take a side)"

"Escolher o seu destino (To choose one's destiny)"

Easily Confused

escolher vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

reflexive

Rarely used as 'escolher-se' except in passive sense.

brazil vs portugal

In Portugal, 'tu escolhes' is standard; in Brazil, 'você escolhe' is standard.

Common Mistakes

In Portuguese, you choose 'between' (entre) options, not 'from' (de) them.
'Escolher' is for selection, 'pegar' is for the physical act of picking up.
The verb 'optar' requires the preposition 'por' (por + o = pelo).
'Eleger' is for formal elections, 'escolher' is for personal choices.
In formal Portuguese, 'preferir' takes the preposition 'a', not 'do que'.

Tips

Regular Conjugation

Remember that 'escolher' is a regular -er verb. If you know how to conjugate 'comer', you know how to conjugate 'escolher'. This makes it a great verb to practice your basic Portuguese grammar. Focus on the present tense first, then move to the past.

Use 'Entre'

When you are choosing between two things, always use the preposition 'entre'. For example: 'Escolha entre o café e o chá'. This is much more natural than trying to translate 'from' or 'of' directly from English. It clearly defines the options available.

Master the 'LH'

The 'lh' sound is one of the most distinct sounds in Portuguese. Spend some time practicing it with 'escolher'. If you get it right, you'll sound much more like a native speaker. Think of the 'lli' in 'million' but with the tongue flatter against the roof of the mouth.

Daily Situations

Look for opportunities to use 'escolher' every day. When you go to a restaurant, think 'Eu escolho...'. When you get dressed, think 'Vou escolher esta camisa'. Integrating the word into your daily routine is the fastest way to memorize it and make it feel natural.

Escolher vs. Pegar

Be careful not to use 'escolher' when you mean 'to pick up' something physically. Use 'pegar' for the physical action and 'escolher' for the mental decision. This is a very common mistake for beginners, so pay extra attention to it in your speech and writing.

Escolher a Dedo

Try using the idiom 'escolher a dedo' to sound more advanced. It's a great way to say you've made a very careful selection. For example: 'Eu escolhi este presente a dedo para você'. It adds a nice cultural touch to your Portuguese and shows a higher level of fluency.

Subjunctive Mood

As you reach the B1 level, start using 'escolher' with the subjunctive. For example: 'Espero que você escolha bem'. This is essential for expressing wishes, doubts, and hopes about someone else's choices. It's a key step in moving from basic to intermediate Portuguese.

Avoid Repetition

In your writing, try to use synonyms like 'selecionar' or 'optar por' to avoid using 'escolher' too many times. This will make your Portuguese sound more sophisticated and varied. Just make sure you use the correct prepositions for each synonym, like 'por' with 'optar'.

Listen for 'Escolha'

The noun 'escolha' sounds very similar to the third-person singular verb 'escolhe'. Pay attention to the context and the articles (like 'a escolha') to know which one is being used. This will help you improve your listening comprehension and avoid confusion.

Cultural Nuance

In many Portuguese-speaking countries, people take their time to 'escolher'. Whether it's at a market or a café, don't feel rushed. Use the phrase 'Ainda estou a escolher' (I'm still choosing) to give yourself more time. It's a perfectly normal and polite thing to say.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Escalator'. You 'escolher' which floor to go to on the escalator of life.

Word Origin

Latin

Cultural Context

Choosing your own fruit is expected at markets.

It is polite to let guests 'escolher' first.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"O que você vai escolher para comer?"

"Como você escolheu sua profissão?"

"É difícil escolher um presente para você?"

"Você prefere escolher sozinho ou com ajuda?"

"Qual destino de viagem você escolheria hoje?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma escolha difícil que você fez recentemente.

Por que você escolheu aprender português?

Se você pudesse escolher qualquer lugar para morar, onde seria?

Quais critérios você usa para escolher seus amigos?

O que você escolheu fazer no seu último fim de semana?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'escolher' is a perfectly regular verb ending in -er. This means it follows the standard conjugation rules for verbs like 'comer' and 'beber'. You don't have to worry about irregular stem changes in the present or past tense. This makes it a very reliable verb for beginners to practice their conjugation patterns. Just remember the endings: -o, -e, -emos, -em.

'Escolher' is the general and most common verb for 'to choose'. 'Optar' is more formal and usually implies choosing between two or more distinct paths or alternatives. Crucially, 'optar' is almost always followed by the preposition 'por' (e.g., optar por algo), while 'escolher' usually takes a direct object (e.g., escolher algo). Use 'escolher' for everyday things and 'optar' for more serious or formal decisions.

In Portuguese, we don't usually translate 'from' literally as 'de' after 'escolher'. Instead, we use 'entre' (between) or 'em' (in), or we use a phrase like 'escolher um de...' (choose one of...). For example, 'Escolha entre estas opções' (Choose from/between these options). Using 'escolher de' often sounds like a direct translation from English and can be awkward for native speakers.

No, 'escolher' only means 'to select' or 'to pick' in the sense of making a choice. If you want to say 'to pick up' something physically from the floor or a table, you should use the verb 'pegar' or 'apanhar' (common in Portugal). Confusing 'escolher' with 'pegar' is a common mistake for English speakers because 'to pick' covers both meanings in English.

The 'lh' sound is a palatal lateral approximant. To make it, place the middle of your tongue against the roof of your mouth (the hard palate) and let the air flow around the sides. It is similar to the 'lli' in the English word 'million' or the 'gl' in the Italian word 'famiglia'. It is not a simple 'l' or a 'y' sound. Practicing this sound is key to sounding natural in Portuguese.

It can be both! In Portuguese, the first-person plural (-nós) ending for -er and -ir verbs is the same in both the present tense and the Pretérito Perfeito (simple past). Therefore, 'nós escolhemos' can mean 'we choose' or 'we chose'. To distinguish them, you must rely on context or time markers like 'agora' (now) or 'ontem' (yesterday). This is a common feature of the language.

Use 'selecionar' when the process of choosing is more technical, formal, or based on specific criteria. For example, you 'selecionar' files on a computer, 'selecionar' candidates for a job after an interview, or 'selecionar' data for a report. 'Escolher' is much more personal and common in daily life, like choosing what to wear or what to eat.

'Escolher a dedo' is a very common idiomatic expression that means 'to hand-pick' or 'to choose very carefully'. It literally translates to 'choosing with the finger'. It implies that the person took a lot of time and care to select the very best option from a group. You might use it when talking about a carefully selected team or a perfectly chosen gift.

Yes, you can use 'escolher' followed directly by another verb in the infinitive to say what you chose to do. For example, 'Ela escolheu estudar' (She chose to study) or 'Nós escolhemos ficar' (We chose to stay). No preposition is needed between 'escolher' and the second verb. This is a very common and useful structure for explaining your actions and decisions.

The noun form is 'escolha', which means 'choice'. For example, 'Foi uma boa escolha' (It was a good choice). It is a feminine noun. You can also use 'escolhido' as a noun to mean 'the chosen one' (e.g., 'Ele foi o escolhido'). Understanding the relationship between the verb and the noun helps you build more complex sentences and expand your vocabulary.