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A2 noun 8 min read

reconciliação

Examples reconciliação in 30 Seconds
Explanation reconciliação in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn basic words. 'Reconciliação' might seem like a long and difficult word, but it is very useful! Think of it as the big word for 'making peace'. When you have a fight with a friend and then you say 'I'm sorry' and you are friends again, that is a reconciliation. In Portuguese, we often say 'fazer as pazes' for this. At this level, just try to remember that this word means 'becoming friends again after a fight'. It's a feminine word, so we say 'a reconciliação'. Even if you can't use it in a big sentence yet, knowing that it means 'peace again' is a great start. You might see it in simple stories or hear it in songs about love and friendship. It's a positive word that brings a happy ending to a story. Don't worry about the spelling too much yet; just focus on the sound 're-con-si-li-a-são'.
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'reconciliação' in simple sentences to talk about your life and relationships. You might talk about a 'reconciliação com um amigo' (reconciliation with a friend) or 'reconciliação na família' (reconciliation in the family). You are learning that nouns like this can be the subject or object of a sentence. For example: 'A reconciliação é importante' (Reconciliation is important). You also begin to see the word in more contexts, like in news headlines or simple TV shows. It's important to notice the '-ção' ending, which you will see in many other Portuguese words like 'educação' or 'informação'. At this stage, you should practice using it with the verb 'buscar' (to seek) or 'querer' (to want). 'Eu quero a reconciliação' is a simple but powerful way to express a desire for peace. You are also learning that it is a formal version of 'fazer as pazes'.
By B1, you are becoming more independent in your Portuguese. You can now use 'reconciliação' to describe more complex social situations. You might discuss the 'processo de reconciliação' (reconciliation process) and how long it takes. You understand that this word can be used in professional settings, such as resolving a conflict between coworkers. You are also introduced to the financial meaning: 'reconciliação bancária'. You can explain why reconciliation is necessary using connectors like 'porque' (because) or 'embora' (although). For example: 'Embora tenha sido difícil, a reconciliação valeu a pena' (Although it was difficult, the reconciliation was worth it). You are starting to notice the emotional nuances—how a reconciliation requires 'perdão' (forgiveness) and 'paciência' (patience). Your vocabulary is growing to include related adjectives like 'reconciliador' (conciliatory).
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At the B2 level, you can use 'reconciliação' with confidence in both formal and informal discussions. You can talk about 'reconciliação nacional' in the context of history or politics, discussing how countries move past wars or internal conflicts. You are comfortable using the word in abstract ways, like 'reconciliação entre fé e razão' (reconciliation between faith and reason). You understand the difference between 'reconciliação' and 'conciliação' in legal terms. Your sentences are more complex, using the passive voice or relative clauses: 'A reconciliação que foi alcançada no ano passado trouxe muita paz' (The reconciliation that was achieved last year brought much peace). You can also use the word in professional reports or academic essays, knowing it conveys a sense of seriousness and resolution. You are aware of common collocations like 'promover a reconciliação' or 'espírito de reconciliação'.
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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word's connotations and can use it with precision. You might explore the philosophical aspects of 'reconciliação' in literature or social science. You can debate the effectiveness of 'comissões de verdade e reconciliação' (truth and reconciliation commissions) and use the word to describe the subtle shift in power dynamics after a conflict is resolved. You use the word in various registers, from highly formal legal documents to nuanced psychological discussions. You are sensitive to the rhythm of the language and use 'reconciliação' to create a specific impact in your writing. You can also use it metaphorically, such as 'a reconciliação do autor com o seu passado' (the author's reconciliation with his past). Your grasp of the word includes its historical weight in the Lusophone world, particularly in post-colonial contexts.
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At the C2 level, you use 'reconciliação' with the mastery of a native speaker. You can use it in highly specialized fields, such as international law, advanced theology, or complex financial audits, without any hesitation. You understand the etymological roots of the word and how it has evolved in the Portuguese language. You can use it to craft persuasive arguments, using its emotional and moral weight to influence your audience. You are comfortable with all idiomatic expressions and can even create your own creative metaphors involving the concept. Whether you are analyzing a classic piece of Portuguese literature or writing a high-level policy brief, 'reconciliação' is a versatile tool in your linguistic arsenal. You can distinguish the finest shades of meaning between it and its synonyms, selecting the perfect word for every context. You are fully aware of the cultural and historical baggage the word carries in different Portuguese-speaking nations.
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Examples

reconciliação in 30 Seconds

  • Reconciliação means the restoration of peace and harmony after a conflict or period of disagreement between people or groups.
  • It is a feminine noun (a reconciliação) and is frequently used in personal, political, religious, and financial contexts.
  • Commonly paired with verbs like 'buscar', 'alcançar', and 'promover', it signifies a deep, often emotional, making-up process.
  • In finance, it refers to 'bank reconciliation' (reconciliação bancária), which is the matching of different financial records.

The Portuguese word reconciliação is a powerful noun that describes the act of bringing people or groups back together into a state of harmony after a period of conflict, disagreement, or estrangement. While it can be used in casual settings, such as two friends making up after a small argument, it often carries a weight of significance, appearing frequently in discussions about family dynamics, romantic relationships, and even large-scale political or social movements. It is the bridge built over the chasm of a misunderstanding. In everyday life, you will hear it when people talk about 'healing' a relationship. It isn't just about saying 'sorry'; it is about the entire process of restoring the bond that was broken. This word is essential for anyone looking to describe emotional growth and the resolution of interpersonal issues in Portuguese-speaking cultures, which often value strong social and family ties. When you use reconciliação, you are acknowledging that there was a problem, but more importantly, you are focusing on the positive outcome of peace and unity.

O Processo
The sequence of events leading to peace, often involving dialogue and forgiveness.
O Resultado
The final state of harmony achieved after the conflict is resolved.
O Sentimento
The emotional relief and joy that follows a successful making-up period.

Depois de anos sem se falarem, finalmente houve uma reconciliação entre os irmãos.

A reconciliação diplomática evitou uma guerra iminente.

O casal buscou a reconciliação através da terapia.

Não há nada mais bonito do que uma reconciliação sincera.

A festa de Natal foi o palco perfeito para a reconciliação da família.

In a broader context, reconciliação is also a technical term in accounting and finance, referring to the process of ensuring that two sets of records (like a bank statement and a personal ledger) match. However, for most learners, the emotional and social meaning will be much more common. Whether it is a 'reconciliação amorosa' (romantic making up) or a 'reconciliação nacional' (national peace process), the core idea remains the same: fixing what was broken and moving forward together.

Using reconciliação correctly requires understanding its role as a noun. It often follows verbs like buscar (to seek), alcançar (to reach/achieve), promover (to promote), or celebrar (to celebrate). Because it is a feminine noun, you must always use feminine articles and adjectives with it. For example, you would say 'uma reconciliação difícil' (a difficult reconciliation) or 'a nossa reconciliação' (our reconciliation). It is frequently followed by the preposition entre (between) to specify who is making up.

With Prepositions
Use 'entre' to link the parties: 'A reconciliação entre amigos'.
As a Subject
'A reconciliação é necessária para a paz' (Reconciliation is necessary for peace).
In Finance
'Reconciliação bancária' (Bank reconciliation) refers to matching accounts.

Eles estão trabalhando em prol da reconciliação do grupo.

A reconciliação demorou meses para acontecer.

Acreditamos que a reconciliação é o único caminho.

Houve uma reconciliação histórica entre os dois países.

A reconciliação de dados é fundamental para o relatório.

When talking about historical events, such as the end of a civil war or a dictatorship, you will often see terms like 'Comissão de Reconciliação' (Reconciliation Commission). This demonstrates the word's formal and structural utility in society. In a more intimate setting, if you are apologizing to someone and want to suggest making up, you might say: 'Eu quero a nossa reconciliação' (I want our reconciliation). It sounds slightly more formal and serious than just saying 'vamos fazer as pazes' (let's make peace), which is the common idiomatic way to express the same idea.

You will encounter reconciliação in several distinct environments in the Portuguese-speaking world. In the media, news anchors use it when reporting on peace treaties, political alliances, or high-profile celebrity breakups and subsequent reunions. In religious contexts, particularly in Catholic-majority countries like Brazil and Portugal, the word is deeply tied to the sacrament of Confession, also known as the 'Sacramento da Reconciliação'. Here, it signifies the spiritual making-up between a person and God. In corporate environments, you'll hear it during conflict resolution workshops or in the accounting department where 'reconciliação de contas' is a daily task.

News & Politics
Reporting on diplomatic efforts and ending conflicts.
Religious Settings
Referring to forgiveness and the sacrament of penance.
Legal & Business
Mediation between parties or matching financial records.

O governo propôs uma política de reconciliação nacional.

O padre falou sobre a importância da reconciliação durante a missa.

Precisamos terminar a reconciliação bancária até sexta-feira.

A novela de hoje mostrou a reconciliação dos protagonistas.

O mediador facilitou a reconciliação entre as partes no tribunal.

In literature and soap operas (telenovelas), the theme of reconciliação is a staple. It provides the emotional climax of many stories where families are reunited or lovers overcome obstacles. Because Portuguese culture values 'calor humano' (human warmth) and social cohesion, the act of reconciliation is viewed as a high moral virtue. Even in casual conversations, if someone says 'eles se reconciliaram' (they reconciled), it usually brings a sense of relief to the listeners.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with reconciliação is related to its spelling and pronunciation. The 'ç' (cedilha) followed by 'ão' is a classic Portuguese sound that doesn't exist in English. Learners often misspell it as 'reconciliacao' or 'reconciliasão'. Another common error is confusing the noun with the verb. You 'do' or 'achieve' a reconciliation, but you 'reconcile' people. In Portuguese, saying 'eu reconciliação você' is incorrect; you should say 'eu promovo a nossa reconciliação' or simply use the verb: 'eu me reconcilio com você'.

Gender Mismatch
Avoid saying 'o reconciliação'. It is always 'a' (feminine).
Pluralization
The plural is 'reconciliações', not 'reconciliaçãos'.
Word Choice
Don't use it for small fixes. Use 'conserto' for objects and 'reconciliação' for people.

Errado: O reconciliação foi bom. (Incorrect gender)

Certo: A reconciliação foi boa. (Correct gender and agreement)

Errado: Fizemos muitas reconciliaçãos. (Wrong plural ending)

Certo: Fizemos muitas reconciliações. (Correct plural ending)

Atenção: Não confunda 'reconciliação' com 'conciliação' (often used for legal settlements).

Finally, be careful with the context of 'reconciliação bancária'. While it translates to 'bank reconciliation', if you use it in a conversation about feelings, it will sound very strange! Always ensure your listener knows whether you are talking about hearts or bank accounts. In the emotional sense, it is often accompanied by words like 'perdão' (forgiveness) and 'paz' (peace), which help clarify the meaning.

While reconciliação is the most direct word for the concept, Portuguese offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific nature of the 'making up'. Understanding these nuances will make your Portuguese sound more natural and sophisticated. For instance, in a legal context, 'conciliação' is often preferred. In a casual setting between friends, you might just refer to it as 'fazer as pazes'.

Conciliação vs. Reconciliação
'Conciliação' is often the first attempt at agreement, while 'reconciliação' implies restoring a bond that was previously broken.
Pacificação
Focuses on the ending of hostility or violence, often used in political or social contexts.
Harmonização
Bringing things into balance or agreement, often used in music, art, or data.

Eles finalmente fizeram as pazes. (Informal alternative)

A pacificação da favela foi um processo longo. (Social context)

Houve um acordo entre as partes. (Business/Legal alternative)

A união da família foi restaurada. (Emotional alternative)

O reatamento das relações diplomáticas foi anunciado. (Formal/Political alternative)

Choosing the right word depends on the 'flavor' of the peace you are describing. If you want to sound poetic or deeply emotional, reconciliação is perfect. If you are in a boardroom discussing a contract dispute, conciliação or acordo might be more appropriate. Knowing these distinctions shows a high level of fluency and cultural awareness.

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Examples by Level

1

A reconciliação é boa.

Reconciliation is good.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

2

Eu quero a reconciliação.

I want reconciliation.

Direct object with feminine article 'a'.

3

Houve uma reconciliação.

There was a reconciliation.

Use of the verb 'haver' in the past.

4

Eles buscam a reconciliação.

They seek reconciliation.

Present tense verb with a noun object.

5

A reconciliação traz paz.

Reconciliation brings peace.

Noun acting as a subject.

6

É tempo de reconciliação.

It is time for reconciliation.

Preposition 'de' connecting two nouns.

7

Sua reconciliação foi linda.

Their reconciliation was beautiful.

Possessive pronoun 'sua' agreeing with the feminine noun.

8

Amigos precisam de reconciliação.

Friends need reconciliation.

Verb 'precisar' followed by the preposition 'de'.

1

A reconciliação entre os irmãos foi emocionante.

The reconciliation between the brothers was moving.

Use of 'entre' to show relationship.

2

Precisamos de uma reconciliação rápida.

We need a quick reconciliation.

Adjective 'rápida' agreeing with the feminine noun.

3

Eles celebraram a reconciliação com um jantar.

They celebrated the reconciliation with a dinner.

Past tense verb with a circumstantial complement.

4

A reconciliação do casal demorou muito.

The couple's reconciliation took a long time.

Genitive 'do casal' modifying the noun.

5

Não houve reconciliação após a discussão.

There was no reconciliation after the discussion.

Negative structure with 'não houve'.

6

Eles pediram uma reconciliação sincera.

They asked for a sincere reconciliation.

Adjective 'sincera' modifying 'reconciliação'.

7

A reconciliação é o melhor caminho.

Reconciliation is the best path.

Superlative 'o melhor caminho'.

8

Eles encontraram a reconciliação na igreja.

They found reconciliation in the church.

Prepositional phrase of place 'na igreja'.

1

O mediador ajudou na reconciliação das partes.

The mediator helped in the reconciliation of the parties.

Compound noun phrase 'das partes'.

2

A reconciliação bancária deve ser feita mensalmente.

Bank reconciliation must be done monthly.

Adverb 'mensalmente' modifying the verb phrase.

3

Eles buscam a reconciliação através do diálogo.

They seek reconciliation through dialogue.

Prepositional phrase 'através do'.

4

A reconciliação trouxe um novo fôlego à empresa.

The reconciliation brought a new breath of life to the company.

Idiomatic expression 'novo fôlego'.

5

É difícil alcançar a reconciliação sem perdão.

It is difficult to reach reconciliation without forgiveness.

Infinitive verb 'alcançar' as the object of 'é difícil'.

6

A reconciliação política é necessária para o país.

Political reconciliation is necessary for the country.

Adjective 'política' modifying 'reconciliação'.

7

Eles assinaram um termo de reconciliação.

They signed a reconciliation agreement.

Noun phrase 'termo de reconciliação'.

8

A reconciliação familiar é o foco da terapia.

Family reconciliation is the focus of the therapy.

Noun acting as the subject of the sentence.

1

A reconciliação nacional exige um esforço coletivo.

National reconciliation requires a collective effort.

Abstract noun with a collective subject.

2

Houve uma tentativa de reconciliação, mas falhou.

There was an attempt at reconciliation, but it failed.

Contrastive conjunction 'mas'.

3

A reconciliação de dados revelou alguns erros.

The data reconciliation revealed some errors.

Technical use of the word in IT/Finance.

4

Eles estão em pleno processo de reconciliação.

They are in the middle of a reconciliation process.

Idiomatic phrase 'em pleno processo'.

5

A reconciliação é vista como um ato de coragem.

Reconciliation is seen as an act of courage.

Passive voice 'é vista como'.

6

A proposta de reconciliação foi bem recebida.

The reconciliation proposal was well received.

Passive construction with 'foi bem recebida'.

7

A reconciliação entre fé e ciência é possível.

Reconciliation between faith and science is possible.

Abstract philosophical usage.

8

Sempre há espaço para a reconciliação.

There is always room for reconciliation.

Existential 'há' with the adverb 'sempre'.

1

A reconciliação histórica demanda o reconhecimento do passado.

Historical reconciliation demands the acknowledgment of the past.

Complex subject with an abstract verb 'demandar'.

2

O autor explora a reconciliação do homem com a natureza.

The author explores the reconciliation of man with nature.

Literary analysis context.

3

A reconciliação não deve ser confundida com a simples tolerância.

Reconciliation should not be confused with simple tolerance.

Modal verb 'deve' in the negative passive.

4

A reconciliação de interesses divergentes é o papel do diplomata.

Reconciling divergent interests is the role of the diplomat.

Gerund-like use of the noun in a complex phrase.

5

A reconciliação plena exige a reparação de danos.

Full reconciliation requires the reparation of damages.

Adjective 'plena' emphasizing completeness.

6

A narrativa culmina na reconciliação final dos personagens.

The narrative culminates in the final reconciliation of the characters.

Use of the verb 'culminar'.

7

A reconciliação interna é o primeiro passo para a cura.

Internal reconciliation is the first step toward healing.

Psychological usage.

8

Promover a reconciliação é um imperativo ético.

Promoting reconciliation is an ethical imperative.

Infinitive phrase as a subject.

1

A reconciliação ontológica pressupõe uma nova forma de ser.

Ontological reconciliation presupposes a new way of being.

High-level philosophical vocabulary.

2

O tratado visa à reconciliação duradoura das nações beligerantes.

The treaty aims at the lasting reconciliation of the warring nations.

Verb 'visar' with the preposition 'à' (crase).

3

A reconciliação dialética supera as contradições iniciais.

Dialectical reconciliation overcomes the initial contradictions.

Academic/Philosophical terminology.

4

O processo de reconciliação é, amiúde, permeado por retrocessos.

The reconciliation process is often permeated by setbacks.

Use of the formal adverb 'amiúde'.

5

A reconciliação de registros fiscais exige precisão absoluta.

The reconciliation of tax records requires absolute precision.

Highly technical professional context.

6

Não se pode negligenciar a dimensão simbólica da reconciliação.

One cannot neglect the symbolic dimension of reconciliation.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

7

A reconciliação de paradigmas científicos é um marco histórico.

The reconciliation of scientific paradigms is a historical milestone.

Epistemological usage.

8

O discurso enfocou a reconciliação como pilar da democracia.

The speech focused on reconciliation as a pillar of democracy.

Metaphorical use of 'pilar'.

Common Collocations

promover a reconciliação
alcançar a reconciliação
reconciliação bancária
processo de reconciliação
espírito de reconciliação
reconciliação amorosa
tentativa de reconciliação
comissão de reconciliação
celebrar a reconciliação
reconciliação de dados

Common Phrases

Em prol da reconciliação

— In favor of or for the sake of reconciliation. It describes actions taken to achieve peace.

Eles abriram mão de algumas exigências em prol da reconciliação.

Caminho para a reconciliação

— The steps or strategy needed to achieve peace. It is a metaphorical journey.

O perdão é o único caminho para a reconciliação verdadeira.

Sinal de reconciliação

— A gesture or event that indicates peace is being restored. Like a handshake or a smile.

O aperto de mãos foi um claro sinal de reconciliação.

Obstáculo à reconciliação

— Something that stops people from making up. A barrier to peace.

O orgulho é o maior obstáculo à reconciliação.

Festa de reconciliação

— A social gathering specifically held to celebrate making up. Common in stories.

Eles organizaram uma festa de reconciliação para os amigos.

Desejo de reconciliação

— The internal feeling of wanting to make things right. A motivation for peace.

Eu sinto um forte desejo de reconciliação com meu pai.

Reconciliação histórica

— A significant peace-making event between nations or groups with a long conflict.

A queda do muro foi um passo para a reconciliação histórica da Alemanha.

Termos de reconciliação

— The specific conditions or rules agreed upon to end a conflict.

Eles ainda estão discutindo os termos de reconciliação.

Falta de reconciliação

— The absence of peace or the failure to make up. A state of continued conflict.

A falta de reconciliação está destruindo a família.

Momento de reconciliação

— The specific point in time when peace is made. A turning point.

Aquele foi o momento de reconciliação que todos esperavam.

Idioms & Expressions

"Fazer as pazes"

— The most common idiom for 'to reconcile'. It literally means 'to make the peaces'. Used in all contexts.

Vamos fazer as pazes e esquecer o que aconteceu?

Informal/Neutral
"Enterrar o machado de guerra"

— To bury the hatchet. To stop fighting and decide to be at peace. Very similar to the English idiom.

É hora de enterrarmos o machado de guerra e trabalharmos juntos.

Informal
"Virar a página"

— To turn the page. To leave the conflict in the past and start fresh. Often used after a reconciliation.

Nós decidimos virar a página e focar no futuro.

Neutral
"Passar uma borracha"

— To erase something (like with an eraser). To forget about past mistakes or arguments to allow for reconciliation.

Quero passar uma borracha em tudo o que eu disse ontem.

Informal
"Dar o braço a torcer"

— To give in or admit defeat. Often a necessary step for reconciliation to happen.

Ele finalmente deu o braço a torcer e pediu desculpas.

Informal
"Ficar de bem"

— To be 'good' with someone again. Used primarily by children or in very casual relationships.

Depois da briga, eles já ficaram de bem.

Child-friendly/Informal
"Limpar a área"

— To clear the area/air. To resolve misunderstandings so that things can return to normal.

Preci

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