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A2 verb #6,000 most common 12 min read

reconciliar

Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips reconciliar in 30 Seconds

Explanation reconciliar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting your journey with Portuguese. You might not use the word 'reconciliar' every day, but it is good to know because it looks like the English word 'reconcile'. At this stage, you should focus on the idea of 'making peace'. You will mostly hear it in simple stories or see it in basic texts about family. Think of it as 'making friends again'. For example, if two children are fighting over a toy and then they start playing together again, they are reconciling. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that it is an '-ar' verb, so it follows the same pattern as 'falar' (to speak) or 'gostar' (to like). If you can recognize the word and understand that it means 'to be friends again', you are doing great! Usually, at A1, teachers might suggest you use the phrase 'fazer as pazes' instead, because it is very common in spoken Portuguese. However, knowing 'reconciliar' helps you when you read more formal things or watch the news. It's a 'big word' for a beginner, but because it's so similar to English, it's a great 'bonus' word to have in your vocabulary. You might use it in a simple sentence like 'Eles são amigos e se reconciliam' (They are friends and they reconcile). Focus on the 're-' part, which often means 'again' in many languages, helping you remember that it's about bringing something back to how it was before.

At the A2 level, you are moving beyond the basics and starting to describe relationships and social situations in more detail. This is where 'reconciliar' becomes very useful. You should start using it in the reflexive form: 'reconciliar-se'. This is because most of the time, people reconcile with each other. For example, 'Eu me reconciliei com meu amigo' (I reconciled with my friend). At this level, you should also learn the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito) because reconciliation is usually something that happened in the past. 'Eles se reconciliaram ontem' (They reconciled yesterday). You might also start to see this word in simple news articles about politicians or famous people who were fighting and are now working together. A2 learners should also be aware of the noun form, 'reconciliação'. You might see this on a sign in a church or in a headline. It is also important at this level to notice the difference between 'reconciliar' and 'brigar' (to fight). They are opposites. If you can explain a simple situation where two people had a problem and then used 'reconciliar' to fix it, you are showing good A2 progress. You are beginning to handle more 'abstract' concepts of social harmony beyond just saying 'I like' or 'I have'. Practice saying the word out loud, making sure to emphasize the last syllable: re-con-ci-li-AR. This will help your pronunciation sound more authentic.

At the B1 level, you are becoming an intermediate learner, which means you can handle more complex grammar and more nuanced meanings. Now you should focus on using 'reconciliar' for more than just personal fights. You can use it to talk about 'reconciling' ideas or conflicting schedules. For example, 'É difícil reconciliar o tempo de estudo com o tempo de lazer' (It is difficult to reconcile study time with leisure time). You should also be comfortable using it in different tenses, like the future or the conditional: 'Eu me reconciliaria com ele se ele pedisse desculpas' (I would reconcile with him if he apologized). At B1, you start to understand the cultural context better. You might hear this word in a 'novela' (soap opera) and understand that it marks a major turning point in the story. You should also be able to distinguish between 'reconciliar' and its synonyms like 'harmonizar' or 'apaziguar'. While 'reconciliar' is about fixing a relationship, 'apaziguar' is more about calming someone down. You are also expected to use the correct prepositions consistently, specifically 'com'. 'Reconciliar-se com alguém' is the standard structure. You might also start exploring the 'reconciliação bancária' (bank reconciliation) if you use Portuguese for work. This shows you can use the same word in different 'domains' or areas of life, which is a key skill for intermediate learners. Your vocabulary is expanding, and 'reconciliar' is a versatile tool in your kit for describing how people resolve conflicts and find balance.

At the B2 level, you are an upper-intermediate learner, and you should be able to use 'reconciliar' with a high degree of precision and in more formal or academic contexts. You should understand the subtle difference between 'reconciliar' and 'conciliar'. Remember, 'conciliar' is often used for balancing things like 'trabalho e vida pessoal' (work and personal life), whereas 'reconciliar' implies a previous state of discord or a discrepancy that needs fixing. At B2, you should be able to discuss complex social and political issues. For instance, you might talk about 'reconciliação nacional' (national reconciliation) in the context of a country's history. You can use the word to describe internal psychological states: 'Ele precisa se reconciliar com as escolhas que fez no passado' (He needs to reconcile himself with the choices he made in the past). Your grammar should be advanced enough to use the subjunctive mood with this verb: 'É importante que eles se reconciliem para o bem da família' (It is important that they reconcile for the sake of the family). You should also recognize the word in literature and formal speeches, where it might be used metaphorically. For example, a poet might talk about reconciling the heart with the mind. You are no longer just translating from English; you are thinking in Portuguese and choosing 'reconciliar' because it carries the exact weight and formality required for the situation. You understand that while 'fazer as pazes' is fine for friends, 'reconciliar' is the word for a serious editorial or a formal report.

As a C1 learner, you have reached an advanced level of proficiency. You use 'reconciliar' effortlessly and understand its deepest nuances. You are aware of its etymological roots in Latin and how that influences its usage in legal and religious contexts. In a professional or academic setting, you can use 'reconciliar' to discuss the alignment of data, theories, or complex philosophical arguments. For example, 'Como reconciliar a teoria da relatividade com a mecânica quântica?' (How to reconcile the theory of relativity with quantum mechanics?). You can use the verb in sophisticated structures, such as the passive voice or within complex subordinate clauses, without hesitation. You also understand the 'register' of the word perfectly—knowing that in a formal debate, 'reconciliar' provides the necessary gravitas that 'fazer as pazes' lacks. You might use it to describe the process of historical justice, such as 'comissões de verdade e reconciliação' (truth and reconciliation commissions). Your pronunciation is near-native, including the subtle nasalization of the 'on' and the clear 'li' syllable. You can also play with the word's family, using 'reconciliável' (reconcilable) or 'irreconciliável' (irreconcilable) to describe positions in an argument. 'Eles têm diferenças irreconciliáveis' (They have irreconcilable differences). At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item; it is a precise instrument for expressing complex ideas about conflict, resolution, and harmony in both the human and abstract realms.

At the C2 level, you have mastered the Portuguese language to a near-native or native-like degree. You use 'reconciliar' with total spontaneity and can appreciate its use in the most demanding literary and philosophical texts. You might encounter it in the works of authors like Machado de Assis or Fernando Pessoa, where it is used to explore the deepest contradictions of the human soul. You understand the historical and cultural baggage the word carries in various Lusophone cultures, from the religious overtones in Portugal to the socio-political implications in post-colonial African nations. You can use 'reconciliar' in highly specialized fields, such as international law, theology, or advanced accounting, with absolute accuracy. You are also sensitive to the rhythm and flow of the language, choosing 'reconciliar' not just for its meaning, but for how its sounds and syllables fit into a beautifully crafted sentence. You can explain the most subtle differences between 'reconciliar', 'congraçar', 'compor', and 'ajustar' in any given context. Your ability to use the verb reflexively, transitively, and in various moods (indicative, subjunctive, imperative) is flawless. You can also use it in creative ways, perhaps in your own writing or poetry, to describe the blending of colors, the meeting of rivers, or the resolution of a long-standing intellectual paradox. For you, 'reconciliar' is a familiar friend, a word that you can deploy with power, elegance, and perfect situational awareness.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

reconciliar in 30 Seconds

Reconciliar means to restore harmony and peace between people or ideas after a conflict.
It is a regular -ar verb in Portuguese, often used reflexively as 'reconciliar-se'.
It has both emotional (making up) and technical (accounting reconciliation) applications.
The word is synonymous with 'fazer as pazes' in casual, everyday conversation.

The Portuguese verb reconciliar is a powerful and emotionally resonant word that translates directly to 'to reconcile' in English. At its core, it describes the act of restoring harmony, friendship, or agreement after a period of conflict, disagreement, or estrangement. It is a first-conjugation verb (ending in -ar) and is frequently used in both personal and professional contexts to describe the healing of relationships. In Portuguese culture, where family and social ties are often central to daily life, the concept of reconciliation carries significant weight. It is not merely about stopping a fight, but about actively rebuilding the bridge that was broken. Whether it is two friends who had a misunderstanding or two political factions reaching a peace treaty, reconciliar is the bridge-builder's verb.

Personal Relationships: This is the most common usage. It refers to the process of two people, such as a couple, siblings, or friends, putting aside their differences to resume their previous bond. It often implies a mutual effort and a change of heart.
Reflexive Usage: When used reflexively as reconciliar-se, it emphasizes the subject's internal state or their active participation in the peace-making process. For example, 'Eles se reconciliaram' means 'They reconciled (with each other)'. It can also mean reconciling oneself with a difficult truth or a past event.
Technical and Financial Contexts: In accounting or data management, reconciliar means to ensure that two sets of records are consistent and accurate. For instance, a bank reconciliation (reconciliação bancária) is the process of matching the balances in an entity's accounting records for a cash account to the corresponding information on a bank statement.

Depois de muitos anos de silêncio, os dois irmãos finalmente decidiram reconciliar suas diferenças e voltar a se falar.

Example of familial reconciliation.

The word also appears in religious and philosophical discussions. In the Catholic tradition, which has a deep influence on the Portuguese language, reconciliation is one of the sacraments (also known as Confession or Penance). It represents the sinner being brought back into a state of grace with God. This adds a layer of solemnity and profound forgiveness to the word that is often felt even in secular usage. To reconciliar is to seek peace where there was once discord, making it one of the most positive and constructive verbs in the Portuguese lexicon. It requires humility, communication, and often a willingness to forgive past grievances for the sake of a harmonious future.

O governo está tentando reconciliar as diferentes facções para evitar uma guerra civil.

Abstract Reconciliation: Sometimes we need to reconcile conflicting ideas or desires. If you want to travel but also want to save money, you must find a way to reconciliar these two opposing goals. It involves finding a middle ground or a way for two seemingly incompatible things to coexist.

Understanding the nuance between the transitive use (reconciling someone else) and the pronominal use (reconciling oneself) is key for learners. If a mother reconciles her two fighting children, she is the agent of reconciliation. If the children decide to stop fighting on their own, they se reconciliam. This distinction helps in identifying who is initiating the peace-making process. Furthermore, the word is often followed by the preposition com (with), as in reconciliar-se com alguém.

Using reconciliar correctly involves understanding its grammatical patterns and the context of the reconciliation. As a regular verb, it follows standard conjugation, but its meaning shifts slightly depending on whether it is used transitively, reflexively, or in a passive sense. Let's explore these variations through detailed examples and explanations.

Direct Transitive Use: When you act as a mediator to bring two other parties together, you use the verb transitively. You are the subject, and the parties being reconciled are the direct objects. This is common in professional mediation, diplomacy, and family counseling.

O terapeuta ajudou a reconciliar o casal que estava à beira do divórcio.

English: The therapist helped to reconcile the couple who were on the verge of divorce.

In this example, the therapist is the one doing the 'reconciling'. It implies an external force facilitating the peace. This structure is also used when reconciling abstract concepts or data.

É difícil reconciliar o trabalho em tempo integral com os estudos universitários.

English: It is difficult to reconcile full-time work with university studies.

Reflexive and Pronominal Use: Most commonly in daily life, people reconcile with one another. In this case, we use the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos). This suggests that the action is performed by the subjects upon themselves or reciprocally.

Eu quero me reconciliar com meu pai antes do Natal.

English: I want to reconcile with my father before Christmas.

Notice the use of the preposition com. Whenever you are reconciling with someone or something, 'com' is the essential link. You can also use it to describe an internal process of acceptance.

Ela finalmente se reconciliou com o seu passado doloroso.

English: She finally reconciled with her painful past.

Formal and Literary Contexts: In literature or formal speeches, the verb might appear in the passive voice or as a noun (reconciliação). It emphasizes the state of peace achieved rather than the action itself.

A reconciliação entre as nações trouxe um período de prosperidade sem precedentes.

English: The reconciliation between the nations brought an unprecedented period of prosperity.

When using reconciliar, remember that the tense matters. In the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), it signifies a completed act of making peace: Eles se reconciliaram (They reconciled). In the imperfect (Pretérito Imperfeito), it might describe an ongoing attempt: Eles estavam tentando se reconciliar (They were trying to reconcile). Mastery of these patterns allows you to describe complex human emotions and social dynamics with precision.

In the Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) world, you will encounter reconciliar in a variety of settings, ranging from high-stakes news reports to the dramatic scenes of a soap opera (novela). Because the word touches on conflict resolution and emotional healing, it is a staple of storytelling and public discourse. Understanding where it appears helps you grasp its cultural weight.

Brazilian and Portuguese Novelas: If you watch 'novelas', you will hear this word constantly. Plotlines often revolve around families torn apart by secrets or couples separated by misunderstandings. The climax of a story arc often involves the characters finally deciding to se reconciliar. It is usually a moment of high drama, tears, and emotional music.

No último capítulo da novela, os protagonistas finalmente se reconciliaram com um beijo apaixonado.

A common trope in Portuguese-language television.

The word is also prominent in news and political commentary. In countries like Brazil, Portugal, Angola, or Mozambique, political history is often marked by periods of transition. Journalists use reconciliar when discussing national unity, peace processes, or social cohesion. For example, after a contentious election, a leader might call for the nation to reconcile.

O presidente fez um apelo para reconciliar o país após as divisões políticas.

English: The president made an appeal to reconcile the country after the political divisions.

Religious and Spiritual Settings: In Catholic and Evangelical churches, which are very influential in Portuguese-speaking cultures, 'reconciliação' is a frequent topic of sermons. You will hear it in the context of reconciling man with God or reconciling with one's neighbor as a spiritual duty.
Business and Accounting: In a professional office environment, specifically in finance departments, you will hear the term reconciliação bancária. While less emotional, it is a very common technical use of the word. If you work in a Portuguese-speaking company, your boss might ask you to 'reconciliar as contas' (reconcile the accounts).

Finally, you will find it in literature and poetry. Portuguese poetry, from Camões to Fernando Pessoa, often explores themes of internal conflict and the desire to reconcile one's disparate 'selves' or feelings. In this context, reconciliar becomes a philosophical quest for inner peace. Whether you are reading a newspaper, watching a drama, or attending a business meeting, this word serves as a versatile tool for describing the alignment of opposing forces.

Precisamos reconciliar o orçamento com os nossos gastos reais.

A practical, everyday application in household or business management.

While reconciliar is a cognate of the English 'reconcile', making it relatively easy to remember, there are several pitfalls that learners often encounter. These range from grammatical errors regarding reflexivity to confusing it with other similar-sounding verbs. Being aware of these common mistakes will help you sound more natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun: In English, we often say 'They reconciled.' In Portuguese, you cannot simply say 'Eles reconciliaram.' You must say 'Eles se reconciliaram.' Without the reflexive pronoun 'se', the sentence sounds incomplete to a native speaker, as if they reconciled 'something' but forgot to mention what. If the subjects are doing the action to each other, the pronoun is mandatory.

Incorrect: Nós reconciliamos ontem.
Correct: Nós nos reconciliamos ontem.

Mistake 2: Confusing 'Reconciliar' with 'Conciliar': This is the most frequent lexical error. While related, they are used differently. Conciliar is usually about balancing two things that are not necessarily in conflict but compete for time or attention (e.g., 'conciliar trabalho e família'). Reconciliar is used when there was a break, a fight, or a discrepancy that needs to be fixed. You 'reconcile' enemies, but you 'conciliate' (balance) your schedule.

Think of it this way: reconciliar is about restoration (fixing what is broken), while conciliar is about synchronization (making things work together). Using 'reconciliar' when you mean 'to balance your schedule' sounds overly dramatic, as if your work and family were in a violent feud.

Mistake 3: Incorrect Prepositions: English speakers might want to use 'para' or 'a' after the verb, but in Portuguese, the standard preposition is com. You reconcile 'with' someone. 'Eu me reconciliei a ele' is incorrect; it must be 'Eu me reconciliei com ele'.

Mistake 4: Overusing it in Informal Settings: While not technically 'wrong', using reconciliar for a minor tiff with a friend can sound a bit stiff. In casual conversation, Brazilians and Portuguese people almost always say 'fazer as pazes'. If you tell your friends 'Eu me reconciliei com o João', they might think it was a very serious, life-altering conflict. If it was just a small argument, 'Eu fiz as pazes com o João' is much more natural.

By avoiding these common errors—remembering the 'se', distinguishing it from 'conciliar', using 'com', and choosing the right level of formality—you will use reconciliar like a native speaker. Precision in these small details is what elevates your Portuguese from functional to fluent.

To truly master reconciliar, it is helpful to look at its synonyms and related terms. Portuguese is a rich language with many ways to express the idea of making peace or bringing things into agreement. Depending on the 'flavor' of the situation—be it emotional, formal, or practical—you might choose a different word.

Fazer as pazes: Usage: Informal/Everyday.
This is the most common alternative. It literally means 'to make the peaces'. It is used for children, friends, and couples.
Example: 'As crianças brigaram, mas logo fizeram as pazes.' (The children fought, but soon made up.)
Harmonizar: Usage: Aesthetic/Atmospheric.
While reconciliar implies a previous conflict, harmonizar is about creating a pleasant balance. It’s used in interior design, music, and social settings to describe creating a vibe where everything fits together.
Example: 'Precisamos harmonizar as cores da sala.' (We need to harmonize the colors of the room.)
Conciliar: Usage: Practical/Management.
As discussed in the 'Common Mistakes' section, this is about balancing competing interests or schedules. It is less about 'fixing a fight' and more about 'making things fit'.
Example: 'Ela concilia a carreira com a maternidade.' (She balances her career with motherhood.)
Apaziguar: Usage: Calming/Soothing.
This means 'to appease' or 'to calm down'. It is used when one party is angry or agitated and needs to be soothed. It doesn't always imply a full reconciliation, just a lowering of the tension.
Example: 'O líder tentou apaziguar os manifestantes.' (The leader tried to appease the protesters.)
Congraçar: Usage: Literary/Very Formal.
This is a beautiful, high-level word that means to bring people into a state of mutual goodwill. You will find this in classic literature or very formal diplomatic documents.
Example: 'O evento serviu para congraçar os membros da comunidade.' (The event served to bring the community members together in goodwill.)

In summary, if you want to be safe and formal, use reconciliar. If you want to sound like a local talking about a friend, use fazer as pazes. If you are talking about your busy schedule, use conciliar. Each of these words allows you to navigate the social landscape of the Portuguese-speaking world with greater sensitivity and accuracy.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'concilium' in Latin also gives us the word 'council'. So, reconciling is literally bringing people back into a council or a shared meeting space.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʁe.kõ.si.li.ˈaɾ/

US /re.kõ.si.li.ˈaʁ/

Last syllable (re-con-ci-li-AR)

Rhymes With

falar amar chegar olhar pensar andar cantar jogar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'ci' as 'chi' (like in 'child'). It should be 'si'.
Dropping the 'li' syllable: 'reconciliar' becomes 'reconcilar' (incorrect).
Stress on the wrong syllable (e.g., re-CON-ci-liar).
Not nasalizing the 'on' sound.
Treating the 'r' like an English 'r' at the start.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because it is a cognate of 'reconcile'.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of reflexive pronouns and prepositions.

Speaking 3/5

The nasal 'on' and the multi-syllabic ending require practice.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

paz amigo briga com se

Learn Next

perdoar acordo harmonia conflito mediador

Advanced

congraçar apaziguar beligerância discrepância

Grammar to Know

Reflexive Pronoun Placement

Eu **me** reconcilio (Before the verb in most cases).

Preposition 'com'

Reconciliar-se **com** o inimigo.

Regular -ar Conjugation

Eu reconcilio, tu reconcilias, ele reconcilia...

Subjunctive for desires

Quero que eles **se reconciliem**.

Infinitive Personal

É bom **nos reconciliarmos**.

Examples by Level

Eles querem reconciliar.

They want to reconcile.

Basic infinitive use.

O pai reconcilia os filhos.

The father reconciles the children.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Nós vamos nos reconciliar.

We are going to reconcile.

Future with 'ir' + reflexive pronoun.

Você pode se reconciliar com ela?

Can you reconcile with her?

Question form with reflexive 'se'.

Eu me reconcilio com meu irmão.

I reconcile with my brother.

Present tense, 1st person singular + reflexive 'me'.

Elas se reconciliam hoje.

They (fem.) reconcile today.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

É bom reconciliar.

It is good to reconcile.

Impersonal 'é bom' + infinitive.

Amigos devem se reconciliar.

Friends should reconcile.

Modal verb 'dever' + reflexive infinitive.

Eles se reconciliaram depois da festa.

They reconciled after the party.

Pretérito Perfeito (Past tense).

Eu preciso me reconciliar com o passado.

I need to reconcile with the past.

Reflexive use with an abstract noun.

O casal se reconciliou na semana passada.

The couple reconciled last week.

3rd person singular past tense.

Vocês se reconciliaram finalmente?

Did you all finally reconcile?

2nd person plural (vocês) past tense.

Ela não quer se reconciliar agora.

She doesn't want to reconcile now.

Negative sentence with reflexive.

Nós nos reconciliamos por causa das crianças.

We reconciled because of the children.

1st person plural past tense.

O juiz tentou reconciliar as partes.

The judge tried to reconcile the parties.

Formal transitive use.

Espero que eles se reconciliem logo.

I hope they reconcile soon.

Present Subjunctive (introductory).

Se você pedir desculpas, eles vão se reconciliar.

If you apologize, they will reconcile.

Conditional 'if' clause structure.

Foi difícil reconciliar os dois pontos de vista.

It was difficult to reconcile the two points of view.

Abstract transitive use.

Eles estão tentando se reconciliar há meses.

They have been trying to reconcile for months.

Present continuous with 'há' (time).

Eu me reconciliaria se ele mudasse de atitude.

I would reconcile if he changed his attitude.

Conditional mood.

A empresa precisa reconciliar o lucro com a ética.

The company needs to reconcile profit with ethics.

Professional/Abstract context.

Eles tinham se reconciliado antes da briga voltar.

They had reconciled before the fight returned.

Pretérito Mais-que-perfeito Composto.

Reconciliar-se é um ato de coragem.

To reconcile is an act of courage.

Infinitive as a subject.

O mediador conseguiu reconciliar os vizinhos.

The mediator managed to reconcile the neighbors.

Transitive use with a mediator.

Embora fosse difícil, eles se reconciliaram plenamente.

Although it was difficult, they reconciled fully.

Concessive clause with 'embora'.

É fundamental que a nação se reconcilie com sua história.

It is fundamental that the nation reconciles with its history.

Present Subjunctive in a formal context.

O contador está reconciliando as contas do trimestre.

The accountant is reconciling the quarterly accounts.

Financial/Technical context.

Suas ações não se reconciliam com suas palavras.

Your actions do not reconcile with your words.

Metaphorical use for consistency.

Caso eles se reconciliem, haverá uma grande festa.

In case they reconcile, there will be a big party.

Subjunctive with 'caso'.

A reconciliação exige que ambas as partes cedam.

Reconciliation requires that both parties yield.

Noun form followed by subjunctive.

Ele buscou se reconciliar com sua fé após a crise.

He sought to reconcile with his faith after the crisis.

Spiritual/Internal context.

Não há como reconciliar essas duas teorias científicas.

There is no way to reconcile these two scientific theories.

Formal abstract use.

A diplomacia visa reconciliar interesses divergentes.

Diplomacy aims to reconcile divergent interests.

High-level political vocabulary.

É imperativo reconciliar o crescimento econômico com a sustentabilidade.

It is imperative to reconcile economic growth with sustainability.

Formal argumentative structure.

O autor tenta reconciliar o realismo com o fantástico na obra.

The author tries to reconcile realism with the fantastic in the work.

Literary analysis context.

Oxalá eles se reconciliem e encontrem a paz.

I hope they reconcile and find peace.

Use of 'Oxalá' with subjunctive.

A reconciliação bancária revelou várias discrepâncias.

The bank reconciliation revealed several discrepancies.

Technical accounting terminology.

Ele vive um dilema irreconciliável entre o dever e o desejo.

He lives an irreconcilable dilemma between duty and desire.

Adjective 'irreconciliável' usage.

O perdão é o primeiro passo para se reconciliar verdadeiramente.

Forgiveness is the first step to truly reconciling.

Philosophical/Abstract structure.

As partes chegaram a um acordo que as reconciliou juridicamente.

The parties reached an agreement that reconciled them legally.

Legal/Formal context.

A obra machadiana amiúde busca reconciliar o cinismo com a compaixão.

Machado's work often seeks to reconcile cynicism with compassion.

Literary register with 'amiúde'.

O tratado logrou reconciliar as nações após décadas de beligerância.

The treaty succeeded in reconciling the nations after decades of belligerence.

Formal verb 'lograr' and advanced vocab.

Subsiste o desafio de reconciliar a liberdade individual com o bem comum.

The challenge of reconciling individual liberty with the common good remains.

Sophisticated syntax and political philosophy.

O místico almeja reconciliar a alma finita com o infinito divino.

The mystic aims to reconcile the finite soul with the divine infinite.

Theological/Philosophical register.

Raras são as vezes em que se consegue reconciliar o sonho com a realidade nua.

Rare are the times when one manages to reconcile the dream with naked reality.

Inverted sentence structure for emphasis.

A dialética hegeliana propõe reconciliar a tese e a antítese na síntese.

Hegelian dialectics proposes to reconcile thesis and antithesis in synthesis.

Highly academic/Philosophical context.

É mister que nos reconciliemos com a nossa própria finitude.

It is necessary that we reconcile ourselves with our own finitude.

Archaic/Formal 'É mister' construction.

A reconciliação plena pressupõe uma catarse coletiva e profunda.

Full reconciliation presupposes a collective and profound catharsis.

Advanced abstract nouns.

Common Collocations

reconciliar interesses

reconciliação bancária

reconciliar o casal

reconciliar-se com o passado

reconciliar posições

plenamente reconciliados

tentativa de reconciliação

reconciliar trabalho e família

reconciliar teorias

reconciliar diferenças

Common Phrases

Hora de se reconciliar

— It's time to make peace. Used when a conflict has gone on too long.

Já chega de briga, é hora de se reconciliar.

Reconciliar-se com Deus

— A spiritual phrase about seeking forgiveness and peace with the divine.

Ele sentiu a necessidade de se reconciliar com Deus.

Impossível de reconciliar

— Used for differences that are too big to fix.

Essas ideias são impossíveis de reconciliar.

Reconciliar o orçamento

— To make sure your spending matches your available money.

Vou passar a tarde a reconciliar o orçamento.

Gesto de reconciliação

— An action taken to show you want to make peace.

Ele enviou flores como um gesto de reconciliação.

Processo de reconciliação

— The series of steps taken to reach a state of peace.

O processo de reconciliação será longo.

Reconciliar os fatos

— To make sense of different pieces of information that seem to conflict.

O detetive tentou reconciliar os fatos apresentados.

Desejo de se reconciliar

— Feeling the want to fix a relationship.

Ela expressou um forte desejo de se reconciliar.

Reconciliar-se consigo mesmo

— To find inner peace and accept one's own flaws or history.

Antes de amar o outro, você deve se reconciliar consigo mesmo.

Reconciliar o extrato

— Common in banking, to check the bank statement against your records.

Esqueci de reconciliar o extrato este mês.

Often Confused With

reconciliar vs conciliar

Conciliar is for balancing things (like time); reconciliar is for restoring broken things (like friendships).

reconciliar vs recompor

Recompor is to rebuild or put back together, often used for objects or a state of mind, while reconciliar is specifically for harmony.

reconciliar vs perdoar

Perdoar is to forgive. You can forgive someone without reconciling with them (though they often go together).

Idioms & Expressions

"Fazer as pazes com o travesseiro"

— To finally be able to sleep peacefully after resolving a worry or conflict.

Depois da conversa, finalmente fiz as pazes com o travesseiro.

informal

"Enterrar o machado de guerra"

— To stop fighting and make peace (equivalent to 'bury the hatchet').

Eles decidiram enterrar o machado de guerra e se reconciliar.

neutral

"Virar a página"

— To move on from a past conflict and start fresh.

Nós nos reconciliamos e agora vamos virar a página.

informal

"Passar uma borracha"

— To erase past mistakes or conflicts and start over.

Vamos passar uma borracha no que aconteceu e nos reconciliar.

informal

"Cantar a mesma canção"

— To finally agree or be in harmony after a disagreement.

Depois de muito debate, eles estão cantando a mesma canção.

informal

"Dar o braço a torcer"

— To admit one was wrong, often a prerequisite for reconciliation.

Ele finalmente deu o braço a torcer e se reconciliou.

informal

"Pôr tudo em pratos limpos"

— To clarify everything and resolve misunderstandings.

Eles puseram tudo em pratos limpos antes de se reconciliar.

neutral

"Águas passadas não movem moinhos"

— The past is the past; let's focus on reconciling now.

Esqueça a briga, águas passadas não movem moinhos.

neutral

"Estender a mão"

— To offer a gesture of peace or help.

Ela estendeu a mão para se reconciliar com a irmã.

neutral

"Ficar de bem"

— A very common Brazilian expression for kids or close friends making up.

As crianças já ficaram de bem.

informal

Easily Confused

reconciliar vs Conciliar

Similar spelling and sound.

Conciliar focuses on bringing two different things into harmony or balance (e.g., work/life), while reconciliar focuses on restoring a bond that was broken.

Eu concilio meu tempo, mas eu me reconcilio com meu amigo.

reconciliar vs Consolar

Similar sound.

Consolar means to comfort someone who is sad. Reconciliar means to fix a fight.

Eu consolo a criança que chora.

reconciliar vs Ajustar

Used in financial contexts.

Ajustar is to adjust or tweak. Reconciliar is the process of checking if two accounts match.

Vou ajustar a cadeira, mas reconciliar o banco.

reconciliar vs Reaproximar

Similar meaning.

Reaproximar simply means to bring closer again. Reconciliar specifically implies the end of a conflict.

A música nos reaproximou.

reconciliar vs Concordar

Related to agreement.

Concordar is to agree on an idea. Reconciliar is to restore a relationship.

Eu concordo com você.

Sentence Patterns

S + reconciliar

Eles querem reconciliar.

S + se + reconciliar + com + O

Eu me reconcilio com você.

S + [auxiliary] + se + reconciliar

Eles estão tentando se reconciliar.

É [adj] + que + S + se + reconcilie

É bom que eles se reconciliem.

S + busca + reconciliar + O1 + com + O2

O governo busca reconciliar a economia com o social.

S + [verb] + reconciliado

Eles permanecem reconciliados.

Substantive + de + reconciliação

Um gesto de reconciliação profunda.

O ato de + reconciliar-se

O ato de reconciliar-se exige humildade.

Word Family

Nouns

reconciliação (reconciliation)

reconciliador (reconciler)

Verbs

reconciliar (to reconcile)

Adjectives

reconciliado (reconciled)

reconciliável (reconcilable)

irreconciliável (irreconcilable)

reconciliador (reconciliatory)

conciliar

paz

acordo

perdão

harmonia

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media, literature, and formal speech; moderate in daily casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Eles reconciliaram ontem. → Eles SE reconciliaram ontem.
You need the reflexive pronoun 'se' for reciprocal actions.
Eu reconciliei a ele. → Eu me reconciliei COM ele.
The correct preposition is 'com', not 'a'.
Eu preciso reconciliar meu trabalho e vida. → Eu preciso CONCILIAR meu trabalho e vida.
Use 'conciliar' for balancing time/activities.
A reconcilação foi boa. → A reconciliação foi boa.
Spelling error: don't forget the 'i' in the middle.
Reconciliar de contas. → Reconciliação de contas.
Use the noun form 'reconciliação' for the process.

Tips

The 'RE' Rule

Remember that 'RE' means again. Reconciling is making peace AGAIN.

Reflexive Power

Always use 'se' when talking about two people making up on their own.

Formal vs Informal

Use 'reconciliar' for your boss or a book; use 'fazer as pazes' for your best friend.

Nasal 'ON'

The 'on' in 'reconciliar' is nasal. Practice by saying 'own' but through your nose.

Accounting Tip

If you work in finance, learn 'reconciliação bancária'. It is a key skill.

Novela Vocabulary

If you want to understand Portuguese soap operas, this word is essential.

Preposition Match

Always pair 'reconciliar' with 'com' when connecting it to a person.

End Stress

Stress the final 'AR'. In Portuguese, verbs ending in -ar are stressed on the last syllable.

Self-Peace

Use 'reconciliar-se consigo mesmo' to talk about mental health and acceptance.

Not Just Balancing

Don't confuse it with 'conciliar'. Reconciliar usually involves fixing a problem.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'RE-' (again) + 'CONCILIAR' (Council). You are bringing someone back into your 'council' or circle of friends.

Visual Association

Two hands shaking over a broken bridge that is being repaired.

Word Web

Paz Amizade Perdão Acordo Harmonia Família Contas Diálogo

Challenge

Try to write three sentences: one about a couple, one about money, and one about an internal feeling, all using 'reconciliar'.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'reconciliare', which is composed of 're-' (again) and 'conciliare' (to bring together, to unite).

Original meaning: To bring back together into a state of union or friendship.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using it in political contexts, as it can be a sensitive topic in countries recovering from historical conflicts.

Similar to the English 'reconcile', but used more frequently in everyday emotional contexts in Portuguese.

Truth and Reconciliation Commissions (Comissões de Verdade e Reconciliação). The Sacrament of Reconciliation in the Catholic Church. Novela titles and themes often center on this word.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family disputes

reconciliar com o pai
reconciliar os irmãos
reconciliação familiar
paz na família

Accounting

reconciliar o extrato
reconciliação bancária
reconciliar as contas
ajuste de saldo

Politics

reconciliação nacional
reconciliar partidos
acordo de paz
diálogo diplomático

Self-help

reconciliar-se consigo mesmo
reconciliar com o passado
paz interior
aceitação

Romantic relationships

reconciliar o casal
voltar a namorar
dar uma segunda chance
superar a briga

Conversation Starters

"Você acha fácil se reconciliar com as pessoas após uma briga?"

"Como você consegue reconciliar seu trabalho com seus hobbies?"

"Você já teve que reconciliar dois amigos que estavam brigando?"

"Qual é a melhor maneira de se reconciliar com alguém?"

"Você acha que a reconciliação é sempre possível?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma vez que você precisou se reconciliar com alguém importante.

Como você se sente quando finalmente consegue reconciliar seus sentimentos internos?

Descreva um cenário onde um mediador ajuda a reconciliar dois países.

Quais são os desafios de reconciliar a vida moderna com a saúde mental?

Reflita sobre a importância da reconciliação na sua cultura.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it is only reflexive when the subject is one of the parties making peace (e.g., 'Eles se reconciliaram'). If an outsider is making peace between others, it is transitive (e.g., 'O juiz reconciliou o casal').

Yes, 'reconciliação bancária' is the standard term for bank reconciliation in Portuguese-speaking business environments.

'Reconciliar' is more formal and used in writing or serious contexts. 'Fazer as pazes' is the everyday way to say 'make up' among friends and family.

It is a regular verb: eu reconciliei, tu reconciliaste, ele reconciliou, nós reconciliamos, vós reconciliastes, eles reconciliaram.

The most common preposition is 'com', as in 'reconciliar-se com alguém'.

Yes, it is very common to speak about 'reconciliar teorias' or 'reconciliar interesses'.

Yes, especially in the news, religion, and history books.

Usually, yes. It suggests that the parties have moved past their grievances to restore a relationship.

Yes, reflexively: 'reconciliar-se consigo mesmo' means to find peace with oneself.

Yes, it is 're-con-ci-li-ar'. Make sure not to skip the 'li' syllable.