This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Portuguese
Vocabulary
reconciliar-se

A2 verb #6,500 most common 9 min read

reconciliar-se

Top 6,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips reconciliar-se in 30 Seconds

Explanation reconciliar-se in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to express basic actions. 'Reconciliar-se' might be a bit long, so you will mostly hear 'fazer as pazes' (to make peace). However, it's good to recognize 'reconciliar' when you see it. Think of it like the English word 'reconcile'. At this stage, just focus on the idea of two people becoming friends again after a fight. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that it usually involves a 'se' (himself/herself/themselves). If you see 'Ele se reconciliou', it means he made up with someone. It's a useful word for basic stories about family and friends.

At the A2 level, you should start using reflexive verbs more actively. 'Reconciliar-se' is a perfect example of a verb that needs a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, vos, se). You will use it to describe simple past events. For example, 'Eu me reconciliei com meu irmão' (I reconciled with my brother). You should also learn that it is followed by the preposition 'com'. This level focuses on everyday situations. You might use this word when talking about your weekend or a story you saw on a TV show. It's slightly more formal than 'fazer as pazes', but very common in written Portuguese and news.

At the B1 level, you can use 'reconciliar-se' in more abstract ways. It's not just about people; it can be about ideas or internal feelings. You might say 'Ele precisa se reconciliar com o passado' (He needs to reconcile with the past). You will also start using different tenses, like the future or the conditional ('Eu me reconciliaria se ele pedisse desculpas'). You'll notice the word in more serious conversations about social issues or history. At this level, you should be able to explain *why* someone is reconciling and use the word to describe the resolution of a conflict in a more detailed narrative.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the nuance between 'reconciliar-se' and its synonyms like 'reatar' or 'congraçar-se'. You will encounter this word in literature, newspapers, and formal debates. You should understand how it's used in political contexts (e.g., 'A reconciliação nacional'). You'll also use it to discuss complex emotional states, such as reconciling conflicting desires or values. Your grammar should be precise, placing the reflexive pronoun correctly even in complex sentences with auxiliary verbs (e.g., 'Eles têm tentado se reconciliar' or 'Eles têm-se tentado reconciliar').

At the C1 level, you use 'reconciliar-se' with precision and stylistic flair. You understand its philosophical implications and can use it in academic or high-level professional writing. You might use it to describe the synthesis of two opposing theories or the historical process of a nation coming to terms with its colonial past. You are aware of the subtle differences in tone it carries compared to more informal expressions. You can use the word in the passive voice or in complex subjunctive clauses (e.g., 'Caso eles se reconciliassem, a situação mudaria'). You also recognize it in classical Portuguese literature.

At the C2 level, 'reconciliar-se' is a tool for deep existential and linguistic exploration. You can use it to discuss the 'reconciliation of the irreconcilable' in philosophical texts. You understand the etymological roots (from Latin 'reconciliare') and how those roots influence its current usage in various Lusophone cultures. You can use the word with irony, metaphor, or in highly specialized legal and theological contexts. Your mastery of the verb's placement and its interaction with other complex grammatical structures is native-like. You can distinguish between the reflexive 'reconciliar-se' and the non-reflexive 'reconciliar' (to make consistent) in technical fields like accounting or logic.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

reconciliar-se in 30 Seconds

Reconciliar-se means to make up or restore a relationship after a conflict.
It is a reflexive verb, so it always needs a pronoun like 'se' or 'me'.
You usually use the preposition 'com' to say who you are reconciling with.
It ranges from casual friendships to formal political or religious contexts.

The Portuguese verb reconciliar-se is a pronominal verb, meaning it is inherently reflexive. In its most fundamental sense, it translates to 'to reconcile oneself' or 'to make up' with someone. While English often uses 'to reconcile' as a transitive verb (e.g., 'to reconcile two ideas'), the Portuguese reconciliar-se specifically emphasizes the restoration of a broken relationship or the internal process of coming to terms with a situation. It is a word that carries significant emotional weight, suggesting a transition from conflict or estrangement back to a state of harmony, peace, or at least mutual acceptance.

Social Context: It is frequently used in the context of friendships, romantic relationships, and family dynamics where a disagreement has occurred. When two people 'se reconciliam', they are not just ending a fight; they are actively working to repair the bond.
Spiritual/Philosophical Context: In religious or philosophical discussions, it often refers to 'reconciliar-se com Deus' (reconciling oneself with God) or 'reconciliar-se com o passado' (coming to terms with one's past). This implies a deep internal alignment.

Depois de muitos anos sem se falarem, os irmãos finalmente decidiram reconciliar-se.

The word is versatile across different levels of formality. In a legal or diplomatic setting, it might describe two nations or parties reaching a peace agreement. In a casual setting, though 'fazer as pazes' is more common, 'reconciliar-se' adds a touch of seriousness and maturity to the resolution. It suggests that the reconciliation was a conscious and perhaps difficult choice. It is not just about stopping the shouting; it is about the internal decision to let go of resentment. This verb is essential for anyone wanting to navigate complex social interactions in Portuguese-speaking cultures, where family and social harmony are highly valued. Understanding the reflexive nature is key: you don't just reconcile; you reconcile *yourself* with someone else.

Emotional Nuance: The term implies a certain level of vulnerability. To reconcile is to admit that the previous state of conflict was undesirable and that the relationship is worth the effort of repair. It is a bridge-building verb.

Ela precisava de tempo para reconciliar-se com a ideia de mudar de país.

Using reconciliar-se correctly requires attention to two main things: the reflexive pronoun and the preposition 'com'. Because it is a reflexive verb, the pronoun changes depending on who is doing the reconciling. For example, 'Eu me reconcilio', 'Nós nos reconciliamos'. The preposition 'com' (with) is almost always used to indicate the person or thing you are reconciling with.

Present Tense: Used for ongoing processes or general truths. 'Eles se reconciliam facilmente' (They reconcile easily).
Past Tense (Pretérito Perfeito): The most common usage, referring to a completed act of making up. 'Ontem, eu me reconciliei com o meu melhor amigo' (Yesterday, I reconciled with my best friend).

É difícil reconciliar-se com alguém que traiu a nossa confiança.

When the subject is plural (like 'they' or 'we'), and the action is mutual, the verb is still reflexive. 'Eles se reconciliaram' means they reconciled with each other. If you want to specify who initiated it, you might say 'Ele se reconciliou com ela'. In more formal writing, you might encounter the verb used with abstract concepts. 'O governo busca reconciliar-se com as exigências da população'. Here, it’s not a personal relationship, but an alignment of interests or expectations.

Nós nos reconciliamos após a discussão de ontem à noite.

Future Tense: Often used with 'vai' (going to). 'Eles vão se reconciliar em breve' (They are going to reconcile soon).

The verb can also be used in the imperative for giving advice: 'Reconcilia-te com o teu passado para seres feliz' (Reconcile yourself with your past to be happy). This is quite formal and often found in self-help or religious texts. In daily conversation, people would more likely say 'Faz as pazes com o teu passado'.

You will encounter reconciliar-se in a variety of settings, ranging from the highly dramatic to the strictly professional. One of the most common places to hear it is in Brazilian novelas (soap operas). Relationships in novelas are constantly breaking and mending, and the word 'reconciliação' (the noun form) or the verb 'reconciliar-se' is frequently used to describe the climax of a long-running conflict between lovers or family members.

No capítulo final, os protagonistas finalmente conseguem reconciliar-se.

In news broadcasts, the word is often used in the context of politics or international relations. When two opposing political parties or two countries end a period of tension, the media will report that they are trying to 'reconciliar-se'. It conveys a sense of official, formal peacemaking. Similarly, in legal contexts, particularly family law (divorce or custody), a judge might ask if there is any chance of the couple 'se reconciliarem'.

Religious Services: In Catholic and Protestant churches in Brazil and Portugal, the concept of reconciliation is central. You will hear it in sermons regarding the 'Sacramento da Reconciliação' (Confession).
Psychology and Therapy: Therapists use this word to describe the process of a patient coming to terms with trauma or inner conflict. 'Reconciliar-se com a própria imagem' (Reconciling with one's own image).

A nação precisa reconciliar-se com a sua história para avançar.

Lastly, you'll see it in literature and poetry. It is a romantic, evocative word that fits well in sonnets or novels exploring the human condition. It suggests a return to wholeness. Whether it's a song lyric about a lost love returning or a historical text about a civil war ending, 'reconciliar-se' is the go-to verb for deep, meaningful resolution.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make when using reconciliar-se is omitting the reflexive pronoun. In English, you can say 'They reconciled,' but in Portuguese, you must say 'Eles se reconciliaram'. Without the 'se', the verb is transitive and requires an object (e.g., 'reconciliar os extratos bancários' - to reconcile bank statements).

Mistake: Omitting the Pronoun: Incorrect: 'Eu reconciliei com ele.'
Correct: 'Eu me reconciliei com ele.'
Mistake: Wrong Preposition: Incorrect: 'Reconciliar-se para ele.'
Correct: 'Reconciliar-se com ele.'

Não diga 'Eles reconciliaram'; diga 'Eles se reconciliaram'.

Another common error is confusing reconciliar-se with perdoar (to forgive). While they are related, they are not the same. You can forgive someone without reconciling with them (meaning you let go of the anger but don't resume the relationship). Reconciliar-se implies the restoration of the relationship itself. Learners often use 'reconciliar-se' when they simply mean 'to say sorry' or 'to forgive', but the word implies a much broader, mutual process.

Finally, some learners try to use it as a synonym for 'to agree' (concordar). While reconciliation leads to agreement, you cannot say 'Eu me reconcilio com a sua opinião' to mean 'I agree with your opinion'. It would sound like you were previously fighting with their opinion and have now made peace with it—which is a very specific and unusual thing to say!

Mistake: Confusing with 'Fazer as pazes': While 'fazer as pazes' is a great alternative, learners sometimes think 'reconciliar-se' is ONLY for formal situations. It's not! It's just more 'serious'. Using 'fazer as pazes' for a deep, 20-year family rift might sound a bit too light.

Portuguese offers several ways to express the idea of making up or bringing things into harmony. Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the specific context of the situation. The most common alternative is the idiomatic expression fazer as pazes.

Fazer as pazes: This is the everyday, informal way to say 'to make up'. It literally means 'to make the peaces'. It is used for children fighting over a toy, couples after a small argument, or friends. Example: 'Eles fizeram as pazes ontem.'
Reatar: This specifically means 'to tie again' or 'to resume'. It is often used for romantic relationships or professional partnerships. 'Reatar o namoro' means to get back together after a breakup. It focuses on the resumption of the bond. Example: 'Eles reataram a amizade.'

Ao contrário de reconciliar-se, a palavra 'harmonizar' foca mais no equilíbrio estético ou sonoro.

Another similar word is harmonizar. While 'reconciliar-se' focuses on the act of fixing a break, 'harmonizar' focuses on the end state of balance and peace. It's used in music, cooking (wine pairing), and interior design, but also metaphorically in relationships. There is also congraçar-se, which is extremely formal and literary, almost never heard in speech, meaning to gain someone's favor or to reconcile.

Acomodar: In some contexts, this means to settle a dispute. It is less about feelings and more about finding a practical solution where everyone can coexist.
Pactuar: To come to an agreement or a pact. This is more clinical and less emotional than reconciliation.

When deciding which to use, ask yourself: Is this a deep emotional healing? Use reconciliar-se. Is it a casual 'sorry' between friends? Use fazer as pazes. Is it a couple getting back together? Use reatar. Is it about two things fitting together well? Use harmonizar.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'concilium' (council) is related to 'calare' (to call), so 'reconciling' is literally being 'called back together' into a group.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʁekõsiˈljaʁ.se/

US /hekõsiˈljaʁ.si/

The primary stress is on the syllable 'liar' (the penultimate syllable of the verb itself).

Rhymes With

familiar-se auxiliar-se aliar-se ampliar-se avaliar-se desviar-se gloriar-se humilhar-se

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' instead of a guttural or aspirated sound.
Forgetting to nasalize the 'o' (it should not sound like 're-co-').
Stress on the 'se' instead of the verb stem.
Pronouncing 'liar' as three syllables instead of a diphthong.
Making the 'e' in 're' too open; it should be somewhat closed.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognate 'reconcile'.

Writing 4/5

Challenging due to reflexive pronoun placement and conjugation.

Speaking 3/5

Requires practice with the nasal 'o' and reflexive flow.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to spot.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

paz amigo brigar com se

Learn Next

perdão desculpar reatar mágoa concordar

Advanced

congraçar-se dirimir pacificação conciliatório

Grammar to Know

Reflexive Pronoun Placement

Em Portugal: Reconciliar-se. No Brasil: Se reconciliar.

Prepositional Government

O verbo exige a preposição 'com'.

Nasal Vowels

O 'on' em 'reconciliar' é nasal.

Irregularity in Past Tense

Eu me reconciliei (ending in -iei).

Agreement of Pronouns

Nós nos reconciliamos (must match).

Examples by Level

Eles se reconciliam.

They reconcile.

Simple present with reflexive 'se'.

Eu me reconcilio com você.

I reconcile with you.

Reflexive 'me' matches 'Eu'.

Você se reconcilia com ela?

Do you reconcile with her?

Question form.

Nós nos reconciliamos.

We reconcile.

Reflexive 'nos' matches 'Nós'.

Maria se reconcilia com o pai.

Maria reconciles with her father.

Third person singular.

Eles não se reconciliam.

They don't reconcile.

Negative form.

Quero me reconciliar.

I want to reconcile.

Infinitive with 'me'.

É bom se reconciliar.

It is good to reconcile.

Impersonal use.

Ontem, eles se reconciliaram.

Yesterday, they reconciled.

Pretérito Perfeito (past tense).

Eu me reconciliei com o meu amigo.

I reconciled with my friend.

First person past tense.

Vocês se reconciliaram finalmente?

Did you guys finally reconcile?

Plural 'vocês' with 'se'.

Ela se reconciliou com a irmã na festa.

She reconciled with her sister at the party.

Past tense with location.

Nós nos reconciliamos depois da briga.

We reconciled after the fight.

Reflexive 'nos' in the past.

Ele se reconciliou com o passado.

He reconciled with the past.

Abstract usage.

Eles vão se reconciliar amanhã.

They are going to reconcile tomorrow.

Immediate future with 'ir'.

O casal se reconciliou no jantar.

The couple reconciled at dinner.

Subject 'o casal' is singular.

Espero que eles se reconciliem logo.

I hope they reconcile soon.

Present Subjunctive after 'Espero que'.

Seria bom se você se reconciliasse com ele.

It would be good if you reconciled with him.

Imperfect Subjunctive.

Ela está tentando se reconciliar com a sua nova realidade.

She is trying to reconcile with her new reality.

Present continuous + reflexive.

Nós tínhamos nos reconciliado antes do acidente.

We had reconciled before the accident.

Past Perfect (Pretérito Mais-que-perfeito composto).

Se eles se reconciliarem, faremos uma festa.

If they reconcile, we will have a party.

Future Subjunctive.

É importante se reconciliar com os próprios erros.

It is important to reconcile with one's own mistakes.

Reflexive with 'próprios'.

Eles se reconciliaram, mas a mágoa continua.

They reconciled, but the hurt remains.

Adversative conjunction 'mas'.

Eu me reconciliei com a ideia de trabalhar no sábado.

I reconciled myself to the idea of working on Saturday.

Reconciling with an idea.

O governo quer que as partes se reconciliem para evitar a guerra.

The government wants the parties to reconcile to avoid war.

Formal usage, subjunctive.

Não é fácil se reconciliar com uma traição tão profunda.

It's not easy to reconcile with such a deep betrayal.

Infinitive as subject.

A empresa busca se reconciliar com os clientes após o erro.

The company seeks to reconcile with customers after the error.

Corporate context.

Embora tenham brigado, acabaram por se reconciliar.

Although they fought, they ended up reconciling.

Concessive clause 'Embora'.

Reconciliar-se com a própria finitude é um desafio humano.

Reconciling with one's own finitude is a human challenge.

Philosophical context.

Eles se reconciliaram mediantes a intervenção de um amigo comum.

They reconciled through the intervention of a mutual friend.

Formal preposition 'mediante'.

O autor tenta reconciliar-se com a sua herança cultural no livro.

The author tries to reconcile with his cultural heritage in the book.

Literary analysis context.

A justiça restaurativa foca em reconciliar a vítima e o infrator.

Restorative justice focuses on reconciling the victim and the offender.

Legal/Social context.

É imperativo que a sociedade se reconcilie com as sombras do seu passado.

It is imperative that society reconciles with the shadows of its past.

High-level formal structure.

O protagonista, após a catarse, consegue finalmente reconciliar-se consigo mesmo.

The protagonist, after the catharsis, finally manages to reconcile with himself.

Reflexive with 'consigo mesmo'.

Não se pode reconciliar a liberdade individual com o autoritarismo.

One cannot reconcile individual freedom with authoritarianism.

Abstract philosophical incompatibility.

A obra busca reconciliar elementos do barroco com o modernismo.

The work seeks to reconcile elements of the baroque with modernism.

Artistic critique context.

Houve uma tentativa de reconciliar as teorias divergentes.

There was an attempt to reconcile the divergent theories.

Scientific context.

Ele vive num constante esforço para se reconciliar com a sua fé.

He lives in a constant effort to reconcile with his faith.

Existential context.

A diplomacia logrou reconciliar os dois países em conflito.

Diplomacy succeeded in reconciling the two countries in conflict.

Formal verb 'lograr'.

Reconciliar-se com o fracasso é o primeiro passo para o sucesso.

Reconciling with failure is the first step to success.

Proverbial usage.

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

Hegelian dialectic proposes to reconcile thesis and antithesis in the synthesis.

Philosophical terminology.

O perdão é a chave para se reconciliar com o inexorável fluxo do tempo.

Forgiveness is the key to reconciling with the inexorable flow of time.

Poetic/Metaphysical context.

Como reconciliar a onipotência divina com a existência do mal?

How to reconcile divine omnipotence with the existence of evil?

Theological problem (Theodicy).

A política de reconciliação nacional exige uma honestidade brutal.

The policy of national reconciliation requires brutal honesty.

Political science context.

Ele tentava, em vão, reconciliar-se com a memória de um amor perdido.

He tried, in vain, to reconcile with the memory of a lost love.

Melancholic literary tone.

A ciência moderna tenta reconciliar a relatividade geral com a mecânica quântica.

Modern science tries to reconcile general relativity with quantum mechanics.

Theoretical physics context.

É um equívoco pensar que a paz é apenas a ausência de guerra, sem se reconciliar com a justiça.

It is a mistake to think that peace is just the absence of war, without reconciling with justice.

Complex moral argument.

A alma busca reconciliar-se com o Absoluto através da meditação.

The soul seeks to reconcile with the Absolute through meditation.

Mystical context.

Common Collocations

reconciliar-se com o passado

reconciliar-se com a família

tentar se reconciliar

finalmente se reconciliar

reconciliar-se com Deus

difícil de se reconciliar

reconciliar-se com a ideia

ajudar a se reconciliar

reconciliar-se após a briga

reconciliar-se plenamente

Common Phrases

reconciliar o útil ao agradável

— To combine something useful with something pleasant. Often used when a task also provides enjoyment.

Vou viajar a trabalho e reconciliar o útil ao agradável visitando museus.

reconciliar opiniões

— To bring two different viewpoints into agreement. Used in debates or meetings.

O mediador tentou reconciliar as opiniões divergentes.

reconciliar-se com a vida

— To find peace with one's circumstances after a period of suffering. A deep emotional state.

Depois da doença, ele se reconciliou com a vida.

reconciliar contas

— To check that two sets of records (like bank statements) match. Non-reflexive usage.

O contador precisa reconciliar as contas da empresa.

reconciliar o sono

— An old-fashioned way to say 'to manage to fall asleep' after being restless.

Não conseguia reconciliar o sono naquela noite quente.

reconciliar amizades

— To fix broken friendships. Non-reflexive when you are the one doing the fixing for others.

Ela tem o dom de reconciliar amizades perdidas.

reconciliar-se com o destino

— To accept one's fate or what life has brought. Often used in literature.

O herói se reconciliou com o seu destino trágico.

reconciliar-se com a realidade

— To stop denying facts and accept how things truly are.

É hora de você se reconciliar com a realidade.

reconciliar-se pelo perdão

— To use forgiveness as the method for making up.

Eles se reconciliaram pelo perdão mútuo.

reconciliar-se em silêncio

— To make up without words, just by being together again.

Eles se reconciliaram em silêncio, apenas com um abraço.

Often Confused With

reconciliar-se vs perdoar

Perdoar is to forgive (one-way); reconciliar-se is to restore the relationship (two-way).

reconciliar-se vs concordar

Concordar is to agree on an idea; reconciliar-se is to fix a broken bond.

reconciliar-se vs reconciliar (transitive)

Reconciliar (without 'se') is used for accounts or balancing things, not people.

Idioms & Expressions

"fazer as pazes"

— The most common idiom for reconciling. Literally 'to make the peaces'.

Vamos fazer as pazes?

informal

"voltar às boas"

— To return to good terms with someone after a period of conflict.

Eles finalmente voltaram às boas.

informal/regional

"fumar o cachimbo da paz"

— To smoke the peace pipe. To settle a conflict formally (metaphorical).

Os vizinhos decidiram fumar o cachimbo da paz.

idiomatic

"baixar a guarda"

— To lower one's guard, often a prerequisite for reconciliation.

Ele baixou a guarda e se reconciliou.

informal

"dar o braço a torcer"

— To give in or admit you were wrong, which leads to reconciliation.

Ela deu o braço a torcer e se reconciliou com ele.

informal

"passar uma borracha"

— To 'pass an eraser' over the past. To forget past mistakes and move on.

Vamos passar uma borracha no que aconteceu e nos reconciliar.

informal

"enterrar o machado de guerra"

— To bury the hatchet. To end a long-standing feud.

É hora de enterrar o machado de guerra e nos reconciliarmos.

idiomatic

"virar a página"

— To turn the page. To start a new chapter in a relationship.

Eles decidiram virar a página e se reconciliar.

informal

"limpar a área"

— To clear the air or the area of tension.

Precisamos limpar a área e nos reconciliar.

informal

"estar de bem"

— To be on good terms (often used by children or in romantic contexts).

Eles já estão de bem novamente.

informal

Easily Confused

reconciliar-se vs conciliar

Similar root.

Conciliar means to balance or combine (e.g., work and life), while reconciliar-se is to make up.

Eu concilio o trabalho com o estudo.

reconciliar-se vs reatar

Both involve fixing a relationship.

Reatar specifically means 'to resume' or 'get back together'.

Eles reataram o casamento.

reconciliar-se vs desculpar

Part of the process.

Desculpar is the act of apologizing/excusing; reconciliar-se is the result.

Ele me desculpou, mas não nos reconciliamos.

reconciliar-se vs harmonizar

Similar meaning.

Harmonizar is about aesthetic or functional balance; reconciliar-se is emotional.

Vamos harmonizar as cores.

reconciliar-se vs pacificar

Ending conflict.

Pacificar is often used for large groups or internal states of calm.

O exército pacificou a região.

Sentence Patterns

Eu me [verbo] com [alguém].

Eu me reconcilio com você.

[Eles] se [verbo-passado].

Eles se reconciliaram.

É preciso se [verbo] com [algo].

É preciso se reconciliar com o erro.

Embora [subjuntivo], eles se [verbo].

Embora brigassem, eles se reconciliaram.

[Sujeito] logrou se [verbo].

O país logrou se reconciliar.

A [substantivo] visa [verbo] [conceito].

A dialética visa reconciliar opostos.

All

[Sujeito] quer se [verbo].

Maria quer se reconciliar.

All

Não se [verbo]!

Não se reconcilie agora!

Word Family

Nouns

reconciliação (reconciliation)

reconciliador (reconciler)

Verbs

reconciliar (to reconcile - transitive)

Adjectives

reconciliado (reconciled)

reconciliável (reconcilable)

irreconciliável (irreconcilable)

paz

harmonia

perdão

acordo

união

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media, literature, and serious conversation.

Common Mistakes

Eu reconciliei com ele. → Eu me reconciliei com ele.
Missing reflexive pronoun 'me'.
Eles reconciliaram ontem. → Eles se reconciliaram ontem.
Missing reflexive pronoun 'se'.
Reconciliar-se para o passado. → Reconciliar-se com o passado.
Wrong preposition. Use 'com'.
Nós reconciliamos-nos. → Nós nos reconciliamos.
In Brazilian Portuguese, the 'nos' usually comes before the verb in common speech.
Eu me reconcilio a minha irmã. → Eu me reconcilio com a minha irmã.
Wrong preposition. Use 'com'.

Tips

Pronoun Match

Always match the pronoun to the subject: Eu me, Tu te, Ele se, Nós nos, Eles se.

Noun Power

Learn 'reconciliação' alongside the verb to expand your range.

Novela Watch

Watch the end of a Brazilian soap opera; you'll almost certainly hear this word.

Smooth 'Liar'

The 'liar' part of the word is like 'lee-ar' but fast. Practice saying it as one syllable.

Internal Peace

Use it to talk about your own mental health: 'reconciliar-se com as próprias falhas'.

Formal Tone

In a formal letter, 'reconciliar-se' is much better than 'fazer as pazes'.

Nasal Check

Listen for the vibration in your nose when you say the first 'o' (re-con-...).

Informal Option

If you forget the long word, 'fazer as pazes' is your best friend.

Preposition 'Com'

Don't use 'para' or 'a'. It's always 'com' (with).

Cognate

Remember it's very similar to 'reconcile' in English, which makes it easier to remember.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Re-Council'. You are bringing the 'Council' back together to fix a problem. 'Re-con-ciliar'.

Visual Association

Imagine two hands coming together to form a bridge over a gap. The bridge is the 'reconciliação'.

Word Web

Paz Amizade Perdão Reflexivo Com Novela Acordo Harmonia

Challenge

Try to write a sentence about a historical reconciliation you know about using the past tense 'se reconciliaram'.

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 council or a state of union.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using it in contexts of abuse; reconciliation is not always the suggested path in modern social discourse.

English speakers might use 'make up' 90% of the time, whereas Portuguese speakers use 'reconciliar-se' more frequently in news and formal writing.

The 'Ministério da Reconciliação' mentioned in the Bible (2 Corinthians 5:18). Nelson Mandela's 'Comissão de Verdade e Reconciliação' in South Africa is widely studied in Brazil. Novela plots often revolve around 'A Reconciliação' of the main couple.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Romantic Relationships

Eles se reconciliaram.
Quer se reconciliar?
Reconciliação amorosa
Reatar o namoro

Family Disputes

Reconciliar-se com os pais
Briga de irmãos
Paz na família
Voltar a se falar

Business/Politics

Reconciliar interesses
Acordo de paz
Reconciliação nacional
Mediação de conflitos

Religion

Sacramento da Reconciliação
Reconciliar-se com Deus
Perdão dos pecados
Estado de graça

Internal Growth

Reconciliar-se com o passado
Paz interior
Aceitar os erros
Seguir em frente

Conversation Starters

"Você acha fácil se reconciliar com alguém depois de uma briga?"

"Qual é a melhor maneira de se reconciliar com um amigo?"

"Você já teve que se reconciliar com uma decisão difícil que tomou?"

"É possível se reconciliar totalmente após uma traição?"

"Como as novelas mostram a reconciliação dos casais?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma vez que você precisou se reconciliar com um familiar.

O que significa para você 'reconciliar-se com o passado'?

Descreva uma situação em que a reconciliação foi impossível.

Como você se sente depois de se reconciliar com alguém?

Reflita sobre a importância da reconciliação na sociedade atual.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it might sound a bit dramatic. For small things like 'you took my pen,' use 'fazer as pazes'. Use 'reconciliar-se' for something that caused a real rift.

When people are making up with each other, yes. If you are 'reconciling' a bank statement or two conflicting theories, you use the transitive 'reconciliar' without the 'se'.

Almost always 'com'. For example: 'reconciliar-se com o namorado' or 'reconciliar-se com a vida'.

You say 'Nós nos reconciliamos' or 'A gente fez as pazes'.

Yes, specifically when two partners who had a dispute decide to work together again, or to describe 'reconciling' interests.

The noun is 'reconciliação'. It is feminine (a reconciliação).

Yes, 'reconciliar-se consigo mesmo' means to be at peace with oneself.

Yes, it follows the regular -ar conjugation pattern, but remember it is reflexive.

Eu me reconciliei.

Yes, it is used in both Brazil and Portugal, though pronoun placement rules differ slightly in formal writing.