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A2 verb #3,000 most common 12 min read

reportar

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips reportar in 30 Seconds

Explanation reportar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should understand that 'reportar' is a verb used to give information about something, especially in a professional or digital context. It is a regular verb ending in '-ar', which means it follows the same pattern as 'falar' or 'trabalhar'. You will mostly see this word on websites or apps, often as a button that says 'Reportar um erro' (Report an error). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar; just recognize that it means 'to report'. Think of it as a way to tell someone in authority that something is wrong. For example, if your app is not working, you click 'reportar'. It is a very useful word for basic digital literacy in Portuguese. You might also hear it in very simple sentences about work, like 'Eu reporto o trabalho' (I report the work), although this is a bit formal for a beginner. Focus on the connection between the English word 'report' and the Portuguese 'reportar'. They look and sound very similar, which makes it easy to remember. Just remember that in Portuguese, we always add that '-ar' ending to make it a verb. Keep your sentences simple and use it when you need to notify someone about a problem.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'reportar' in more complete sentences. You should know how to conjugate it in the present tense (eu reporto, você reporta, nós reportamos) and the past tense (eu reportei, você reportou). This is the level where you begin to understand the 'to whom' part of the sentence. In Portuguese, we use the preposition 'a' to show who receives the report. For example, 'Eu reporto o problema ao professor' (I report the problem to the teacher). You should also be aware that 'reportar' is more formal than 'contar'. While 'contar' is for stories, 'reportar' is for facts and problems. You will encounter it frequently in workplace vocabulary. If you are learning Portuguese for business, this is a key verb. You might say, 'Eles reportaram os resultados ontem' (They reported the results yesterday). At this level, you should also be comfortable seeing 'reportar' in instructions, like 'Reporte aqui qualquer problema' (Report any problem here). It's a bridge between basic communication and more professional interactions. Try to practice by imagining you are at work and need to tell your boss about a small mistake—that is the perfect time to use 'reportar'.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'reportar' in a variety of tenses, including the future and the conditional. You also begin to use the reflexive form 'reportar-se'. This is very important for describing professional hierarchies. For example, 'Eu me reporto ao gerente de vendas' (I report to the sales manager). Notice how the 'me' is used. You should also understand the difference between 'reportar' and its synonyms like 'relatar' or 'informar'. 'Relatar' is more about giving a detailed description, while 'reportar' is more about the official act of notifying. You might use 'reportar' when talking about social issues or news: 'Os jornais reportaram a crise' (The newspapers reported the crisis). At this stage, you should also be familiar with the noun forms associated with it, like 'relatório' (report/document). Even though 'reportar' is the verb, 'relatório' is the word for the piece of paper or the PDF you send. You are moving beyond simple notifications to being able to discuss processes and structures. You can also use it in the passive voice: 'O erro foi reportado' (The error was reported). This adds a level of sophistication to your Portuguese, allowing you to focus on the action rather than the person doing it.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'reportar' with precision in professional and academic contexts. You should understand its nuances in European vs. Brazilian Portuguese, such as the placement of reflexive pronouns (reportar-se vs. se reportar). You will use 'reportar' to discuss complex data, scientific findings, or legal matters. For example, 'O estudo reporta uma correlação entre as duas variáveis' (The study reports a correlation between the two variables). You should also be able to use it in the subjunctive mood to express doubt or necessity: 'É essencial que você reporte o incidente imediatamente' (It is essential that you report the incident immediately). At this level, you should be aware of the more abstract meanings of the verb, such as 'to refer to' or 'to relate to'. In a formal text, you might see 'Estas medidas reportam-se ao decreto de lei...' (These measures refer to the law decree...). This usage is much more common in writing than in speaking. You should also be able to handle the word in the context of investigative journalism or corporate whistleblowing, where 'reportar' carries significant weight. Your ability to choose 'reportar' over 'contar' or 'dizer' based on the context shows a high level of linguistic awareness.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the stylistic and formal implications of 'reportar'. You can use it in highly formal writing, such as legal briefs, academic papers, or high-level corporate communications. You understand the historical roots of the word and how it can be used to mean 'to trace back' or 'to attribute'. For example, 'A origem do problema reporta-se ao século passado' (The origin of the problem traces back to the last century). You are comfortable using the verb in complex grammatical structures, such as the personal infinitive or the future subjunctive. You also recognize the subtle differences between 'reportar', 'noticiar', 'comunicar', and 'expor'. You can use 'reportar' to convey objectivity and professional distance. In a debate, you might say, 'Reportando-me ao que foi dito anteriormente...' (Referring back to what was said previously...). This shows you can use the verb as a tool for structuring discourse. You are also sensitive to the register—knowing that 'reportar' might sound too stiff in an informal setting but is absolutely necessary in a formal one. Your vocabulary is rich enough that 'reportar' is just one of many tools you use to express the act of conveying information with specific intent and authority.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'reportar' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You use the verb with complete ease across all registers, from the most technical manual to the most elevated literary prose. You understand its most obscure uses, including the archaic or highly formal reflexive sense of 'restraining oneself' or 'moderating' (e.g., 'reportar os seus impulsos'), though you know these are rarely used in modern contexts. You can play with the word's connotations in creative writing or sophisticated oratory. You are fully aware of how 'reportar' has evolved under the influence of English in the digital age and can discuss the linguistic implications of this 'loan-concept'. You use 'reportar' to weave complex narratives of accountability and evidence in professional environments. Whether you are analyzing a legal document, writing a scientific abstract, or delivering a keynote speech, 'reportar' is used with perfect precision, correct prepositional government, and appropriate pronoun placement. You also understand the cultural weight of the word in different Lusophone countries—how a 'reportagem' in Portugal might differ in tone from one in Mozambique or Brazil, and how the verb 'reportar' serves as the foundation for these professional practices.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

reportar in 30 Seconds

Reportar is primarily used for formal reporting of facts, errors, or professional progress to an authority or through a digital system.
It acts as a regular -ar verb and is common in business, tech, and legal contexts across the Lusophone world.
The reflexive form 'reportar-se' is essential for describing organizational hierarchies and referring back to specific documents or time periods.
While similar to 'contar', it is much more formal and objective, focusing on accountability rather than casual storytelling.

The Portuguese verb reportar is a multifaceted term that primarily translates to 'to report' in English. However, its application spans various contexts, from professional environments to everyday digital interactions. At its core, it involves the act of conveying information, documenting an occurrence, or bringing a specific matter to the attention of an authority or a colleague. In the modern era, you will frequently encounter it in technology contexts—such as reporting a bug in software—and in corporate settings where progress or issues are formally communicated to management.

Professional Context: In a business setting, it refers to the formal process of providing updates or notifying superiors about specific outcomes. It implies a level of accountability and structured communication. For example, an employee might reportar the results of a quarterly campaign to their director.

O funcionário precisou reportar o erro ao seu supervisor imediatamente.

Beyond the corporate world, reportar carries a weight of civic or social responsibility. When someone witnesses an illegal act or a safety hazard, they are encouraged to reportar the incident to the police or relevant authorities. This usage aligns closely with the English sense of 'reporting a crime.' Interestingly, in European Portuguese, the verb can also take on a more abstract meaning, such as 'referring back to' or 'tracing back to' a specific point in time or a particular cause, though this is more common in formal writing.

Digital Usage: On social media platforms or software interfaces, you will see buttons labeled 'Reportar' to flag inappropriate content or technical glitches. This is a direct loan of the functional concept from English but is now fully integrated into the Portuguese digital lexicon.

Você deve reportar qualquer comportamento abusivo na plataforma.

In academic or journalistic writing, reportar is used to present findings or news. A journalist reporta the facts of a story to the public. Here, the word emphasizes the objectivity of the information being shared. It is not just telling a tale; it is providing a documented account of reality. This distinction is crucial for learners to understand: reportar implies a certain degree of formality and evidence-based communication.

Legal and Civic Duty: Citizens are often told to reportar suspicious activities. In this context, the verb functions as a bridge between the individual and the state institutions, ensuring that information flows to where it can be acted upon.

É importante reportar o roubo para que o seguro possa ser acionado.

Finally, the reflexive form reportar-se is used to indicate whom one answers to or what one is referring to. If a manager says 'Eu me reporto ao diretor financeiro,' they mean 'I report to the CFO.' This hierarchical usage is essential for anyone working in a Lusophone company. It establishes the lines of authority and communication clearly. Understanding these nuances—from tech support to corporate hierarchy—will make your use of reportar sound natural and precise.

Os lucros deste ano reportam-se apenas ao mercado interno.

Ele se esqueceu de reportar as despesas de viagem.

Using reportar correctly requires an understanding of its transitivity and the prepositions that often accompany it. As a regular -ar verb, its conjugation is straightforward, but its placement in a sentence depends on whether you are reporting a thing, reporting to a person, or using the reflexive form to denote a relationship of authority. This section explores the grammatical structures that will help you master the word in various contexts.

Direct Object Usage: When you are reporting a specific event, issue, or piece of data, 'reportar' takes a direct object. This is the most common way to use the verb when identifying problems or sharing information.

Nós vamos reportar os resultados amanhã.

When you need to specify the recipient of the information, you use the preposition a or para. In formal Portuguese, 'a' is preferred, often resulting in a contraction if the recipient is preceded by a definite article (e.g., 'ao diretor'). This structure is vital for clarifying who is being informed about the situation.

Reporting to Someone: The pattern 'reportar algo a alguém' (to report something to someone) is the standard for professional updates. It flows logically: Verb + What + To Whom.

Ela reportou o problema ao suporte técnico.

The reflexive form reportar-se is used to describe a reporting line in a hierarchy. In this case, the subject 'reports to' a superior. It can also mean 'to refer to' a certain topic or document. For example, 'O documento se reporta ao contrato anterior' (The document refers to the previous contract). This abstract usage is common in legal and formal administrative documents.

Passive and Impersonal Forms: In journalism, you might see 'Foi reportado que...' (It was reported that...). This passive construction allows the writer to share information without necessarily attributing it to a specific source immediately.

Foi reportado um aumento nas vendas este mês.

When using reportar in the imperative (giving a command), it is often seen on websites or apps. 'Reporte um erro' (Report a bug). This direct address is standard in UI/UX design across the Lusophone world. Mastering these different structures—direct, indirect, reflexive, and passive—will allow you to use 'reportar' with the same flexibility as a native speaker.

Por favor, reportem qualquer irregularidade.

Eles decidiram não reportar o incidente à polícia.

The word reportar is ubiquitous in specific environments, making it a key vocabulary item for professional and civic life. If you are in an office in Lisbon, Luanda, or São Paulo, you will hear it daily. It is the language of accountability and systematic communication. Understanding the 'vibe' of where this word appears will help you understand its social weight.

The Modern Office: In meetings, project management software, and emails, 'reportar' is the go-to verb for updates. 'Quem você reporta?' (Who do you report to?) is a standard way to ask about someone's place in the company hierarchy.

Preciso reportar meu progresso semanal no Slack.

Another major arena for this word is the digital world. Every time you use an app that crashes or see a post that violates community standards, the 'Report' button is translated as 'Reportar'. This has made the word extremely familiar even to younger speakers who might not use it in their daily slang. It carries a connotation of 'flagging' or 'notifying the system'.

News and Media: Journalists use 'reportar' to describe the act of gathering and presenting news. While 'noticiar' is also common, 'reportar' emphasizes the process of reporting from a specific location or on a specific topic.

O correspondente vai reportar ao vivo de Londres.

In the legal and public safety sectors, 'reportar' is the official term for filing a complaint or a report. If you go to a 'Delegacia' (police station) in Brazil, the officers will ask you to 'reportar o ocorrido' (report what happened). It is the language of the law. Using 'contar' (to tell) in these settings might sound too informal; 'reportar' shows that you are providing a serious statement.

Science and Research: Scientists reportar their findings in journals. In this context, the word implies a rigorous adherence to facts and a peer-reviewed process. It is about contributing to a collective body of knowledge.

O estudo reportou uma eficácia de noventa por cento.

Whether you are navigating a corporate hierarchy, using a smartphone, or watching the nightly news, reportar is the word that connects an event to its official record. It is a word of the information age, essential for anyone looking to function in a professional or formal Portuguese-speaking environment. Pay attention to how often it appears in the 'Settings' or 'Help' menus of your favorite apps—it is often the first place learners see it in action.

Não se esqueça de reportar qualquer efeito colateral do remédio.

Vários usuários reportaram instabilidade no sistema hoje.

While reportar looks like a simple cognate of the English 'to report', there are several pitfalls that English speakers often fall into. These range from subtle shifts in meaning to grammatical errors involving prepositions and reflexive pronouns. Understanding these common mistakes will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid confusion in professional settings.

Overusing it for Storytelling: A common mistake is using 'reportar' when you just want to 'tell' someone something casual. If you say 'Eu vou reportar o que aconteceu na festa', it sounds like you are filing a formal complaint about the party. Use 'contar' for stories and 'reportar' for official matters.

Incorrect: Vou reportar uma piada para você.
Correct: Vou contar uma piada para você.

The preposition 'to' in English can translate to several things in Portuguese, but with 'reportar', learners often forget the 'a' or use 'com'. Remember: you report something a someone. Without the 'a', the sentence can feel incomplete or grammatically 'naked' to a Portuguese ear.

Confusing it with 'Relatar': 'Relatar' and 'reportar' are close synonyms, but 'relatar' is often used for giving a detailed narrative or account of an event, while 'reportar' is more about the act of notification. Confusing the two isn't a huge error, but using 'relatar' for a bug report sounds slightly off.

Ele relatou os fatos com detalhes (detailed account) vs Ele reportou o incidente (official notification).

Another mistake is the placement of the reflexive pronoun se. English speakers might say 'Eu reporto-me' in Brazil, where 'Eu me reporto' is much more natural. Conversely, in Portugal, putting the 'me' before the verb in a standard sentence can sound like a Brazilian influence, which might not be what you intend in a formal European context.

The False Friend Trap: In some contexts, 'report' means 'to go to a place' (e.g., 'report to the front desk'). In Portuguese, you wouldn't use 'reportar' for this. You would use 'apresentar-se'. Saying 'Reporte-se à recepção' is a literal translation that sounds very strange.

Strange: Reporte-se à recepção.
Better: Apresente-se na recepção.

Finally, be careful with the word 'report' as a noun. While the verb is 'reportar', the noun is usually 'relatório' or 'reportagem'. English speakers often try to use 'um reporte', which is technically a word but much less common than 'um relatório' for a business report. Stick to 'relatório' for the document itself to avoid sounding like you are translating directly from English.

Eu terminei o relatório (not reporte) sobre as vendas.

Eles precisam reportar as falhas de segurança.

To truly master Portuguese, you need to know when to use reportar and when a synonym might be more appropriate. The language offers several verbs that touch on the idea of 'reporting' or 'telling', each with its own nuance of formality, detail, and context. Choosing the right one will make your speech more precise and sophisticated.

Relatar vs. Reportar: Relatar is about narrative. It means to give a detailed account or to describe a sequence of events. While 'reportar' is a notification, 'relatar' is a description. Use 'relatar' when you want to explain how something happened.

O cientista relatou a experiência passo a passo.

Notificar is another strong alternative, especially in legal or administrative contexts. It implies a formal, often written, notification that has legal consequences. You 'notificar' a tenant about an eviction, or 'notificar' a company about a fine. It is more authoritative than 'reportar'.

Informar vs. Reportar: Informar is a broader, neutral term. It simply means to give information. You can 'informar' someone about the time, a change in plans, or a news item. 'Reportar' is more specific to issues, data, or hierarchical updates.

Por favor, informe a todos sobre a reunião.

In journalism, you will often see noticiar. This verb is specifically for the act of turning an event into a news story. A newspaper 'noticia' a scandal. While a journalist might 'reportar' from the scene, the agency 'noticia' the event to the public. It is a subtle but important distinction in the media world.

Denunciar: When 'reportar' is used for crimes or misconduct, denunciar is often a more powerful alternative. It means 'to denounce' or 'to blow the whistle'. It carries a stronger moral or legal weight than simply reporting a technical issue.

Ela teve coragem de denunciar a corrupção.

Finally, for very casual situations, contar (to tell) or falar (to speak/say) are the most natural. If you saw something interesting on the street, you 'conta' it to your friend. Using 'reportar' in this case would make you sound like an undercover agent or a robot. Knowing these boundaries between casual, professional, and legal language is the hallmark of an advanced learner.

Ele reportou o roubo, mas contou a história de forma engraçada depois.

O sistema permite reportar abusos de forma anônima.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word originally described the physical act of bringing something back to a place. Over centuries, it evolved from carrying physical goods to 'carrying back' information or news.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʁɛ.puɾ.ˈtaɾ/

US /xe.poɾ.ˈtaɾ/

The stress is on the last syllable: 'tar'.

Rhymes With

cantar falar andar olhar pensar estudar chegar levar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the initial 'r' like the English 'r' (it should be guttural or like an 'h').
Stressing the second-to-last syllable (re-POR-tar) instead of the last (re-por-TAR).
Pronouncing the 'e' too openly like 'apple' (it should be more like 'bed' or closed like 'hey').
Nasalizing the 'o' when it shouldn't be.
Making the final 'r' too strong like an American 'r'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it is a direct cognate of the English word 'report'.

Writing 2/5

Easy conjugation, but requires knowledge of prepositions like 'a' or 'ao'.

Speaking 2/5

Simple pronunciation, but remember the guttural or 'h' sound for the initial 'r'.

Listening 2/5

Common in news and workplace settings; easy to catch in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

falar problema erro chefe trabalho

Learn Next

relatar notificar relatório denunciar comunicar

Advanced

mesóclise voz passiva pretérito mais-que-perfeito regência verbal

Grammar to Know

Regência Verbal (Verb Government)

Reportar algo a alguém (Requires the preposition 'a').

Reflexive Pronoun Placement

Eu me reporto (Brazil) vs. Reporto-me (Portugal).

Passive Voice with 'Ser'

O erro foi reportado pela equipe.

Subjunctive Mood for Necessity

É preciso que ele reporte o gasto.

Direct Object Pronouns

Eu encontrei o erro e vou reportá-lo.

Examples by Level

Eu vou reportar o erro.

I am going to report the error.

Simple future with 'vou' + infinitive.

Você pode reportar o problema?

Can you report the problem?

Question using 'pode' (can/may).

Reporte aqui.

Report here.

Imperative form (command).

Eles reportam tudo.

They report everything.

Present tense, third person plural.

Nós reportamos hoje.

We report today.

Present tense, first person plural.

Ela reporta ao chefe.

She reports to the boss.

Uses preposition 'ao' (to the).

Não se esqueça de reportar.

Don't forget to report.

Negative imperative.

Onde eu reporto isso?

Where do I report this?

Question word 'onde' (where).

Eu reportei o incidente à polícia.

I reported the incident to the police.

Preterite (past) tense.

Eles vão reportar os lucros amanhã.

They are going to report the profits tomorrow.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

Você já reportou o seu progresso?

Have you already reported your progress?

Use of 'já' (already) with past tense.

Nós precisamos reportar as horas de trabalho.

We need to report the work hours.

Verb 'precisar' (need) + infinitive.

O sistema reportou uma falha grave.

The system reported a serious failure.

Subject-verb agreement.

Muitas pessoas reportaram o vídeo.

Many people reported the video.

Past tense plural.

Ela sempre reporta os problemas rapidamente.

She always reports problems quickly.

Adverb 'sempre' (always).

Você deve reportar qualquer atividade suspeita.

You should report any suspicious activity.

Modal verb 'deve' (should/must).

Eu me reporto diretamente ao diretor executivo.

I report directly to the CEO.

Reflexive verb usage for hierarchy.

Foi reportado que a inflação caiu este mês.

It was reported that inflation fell this month.

Passive voice 'Foi reportado'.

Se você vir algo errado, reporte imediatamente.

If you see something wrong, report it immediately.

Conditional sentence with 'se' (if).

O jornalista reportou a notícia com imparcialidade.

The journalist reported the news with impartiality.

Adverbial phrase 'com imparcialidade'.

Nós tínhamos reportado o erro antes do lançamento.

We had reported the error before the launch.

Pluperfect tense (past before past).

É importante que a empresa reporte suas emissões.

It is important that the company reports its emissions.

Present subjunctive after 'É importante que'.

Eles se reportaram aos eventos do ano passado.

They referred back to the events of last year.

Reflexive meaning 'to refer back'.

O aplicativo permite que os usuários reportem abusos.

The app allows users to report abuse.

Subjunctive mood after 'permite que'.

O relatório reporta um aumento significativo nas vendas.

The report reports a significant increase in sales.

Note the noun 'relatório' and verb 'reportar'.

Caso ocorra algum problema, reporte-o ao suporte.

In case any problem occurs, report it to support.

Future subjunctive + imperative with object pronoun.

A equipe reportou-se ao manual para resolver o conflito.

The team referred to the manual to resolve the conflict.

Reflexive 'reportar-se a' (to refer to).

Vários estudos reportaram efeitos colaterais leves.

Several studies reported mild side effects.

Scientific reporting context.

Ele se reportou ao seu superior antes de tomar a decisão.

He checked in with his superior before making the decision.

Reflexive usage in corporate hierarchy.

A mídia tem reportado o caso com muita cautela.

The media has been reporting the case with much caution.

Present perfect continuous equivalent.

É provável que eles reportem a falha na próxima reunião.

It is likely that they will report the failure in the next meeting.

Subjunctive after 'É provável que'.

O documento reporta-se especificamente à cláusula quinta.

The document refers specifically to the fifth clause.

Formal reflexive usage.

Ao reportar o crime, a testemunha manteve o anonimato.

Upon reporting the crime, the witness remained anonymous.

Infinitive construction 'Ao reportar'.

O historiador reportou-se a fontes primárias do século XVIII.

The historian referred to primary sources from the 18th century.

Formal reflexive 'reportar-se a'.

Não obstante o erro, ele tardou em reportar a situação.

Despite the error, he was slow to report the situation.

Conjunction 'Não obstante' (Despite).

A gerência exige que todos os gastos se reportem ao projeto.

Management demands that all expenses relate to the project.

Subjunctive reflexive usage.

O artigo reporta de forma fidedigna os acontecimentos.

The article reliably reports the events.

Adverbial phrase 'de forma fidedigna'.

Reportar-me-ei brevemente à questão da sustentabilidade.

I will briefly refer to the issue of sustainability.

Mesoclisis (formal future pronoun placement).

Tais sintomas reportam-se a uma patologia rara.

Such symptoms are related to a rare pathology.

Abstract reflexive meaning 'to relate to'.

A investigação reportou irregularidades na gestão do fundo.

The investigation reported irregularities in the fund's management.

Formal investigative context.

A sua conduta reporta-se a uma ética profissional inabalável.

His conduct stems from an unshakable professional ethics.

Highly abstract use of 'reportar-se'.

Os dados reportados corroboram a hipótese inicial do autor.

The reported data corroborate the author's initial hypothesis.

Past participle as an adjective 'reportados'.

Urge reportar as discrepâncias antes que o dano seja irreversível.

It is urgent to report the discrepancies before the damage is irreversible.

Formal verb 'Urge' (It is urgent).

A narrativa reporta-se, metaforicamente, à queda de um império.

The narrative refers, metaphorically, to the fall of an empire.

Literary and metaphorical usage.

Se nos reportarmos à génese do problema, entenderemos a crise.

If we refer back to the genesis of the problem, we will understand the crisis.

Future subjunctive reflexive.

O emissário reportou fielmente as exigências do soberano.

The emissary faithfully reported the sovereign's demands.

Archaic/formal narrative tone.

A eficácia do método foi reportada em diversas instâncias.

The method's effectiveness was reported in several instances.

Passive voice in formal reporting.

Não se pode reportar o sucesso apenas a fatores externos.

Success cannot be attributed only to external factors.

Meaning 'to attribute' in a formal context.

Common Collocations

reportar um erro

reportar ao superior

reportar um crime

reportar resultados

reportar progresso

reportar abusos

reportar diretamente

reportar falhas

reportar despesas

reportar incidentes

Common Phrases

A quem você se reporta?

— A standard professional question asking for someone's manager.

Neste novo cargo, a quem você se reporta?

Reportar o ocorrido.

— To give an account of what happened.

Fomos à delegacia para reportar o ocorrido.

Foi reportado que...

— A formal way to introduce news or data.

Foi reportado que o trânsito está parado.

Reportar em tempo real.

— To provide updates as they happen.

O aplicativo reporta a localização em tempo real.

Reportar por escrito.

— To provide a written report.

Você deve reportar a reclamação por escrito.

Reportar anonimamente.

— To report without revealing your identity.

É possível reportar o problema anonimamente.

Reportar-se ao passado.

— To refer back to a past time.

O autor reporta-se ao passado para explicar o presente.

Reportar um bug.

— A common tech phrase for reporting software errors.

Vou reportar um bug no sistema de login.

Reportar a verdade.

— To give a truthful account.

O dever do jornalista é reportar a verdade.

Reportar perdas.

— To report financial or physical losses.

O banco reportou perdas milionárias este ano.

Often Confused With

reportar vs Relatar

Relatar is for detailed stories; reportar is for official notifications.

reportar vs Apresentar-se

Don't use 'reportar' for 'reporting for duty' or 'showing up' at a desk.

reportar vs Contar

Contar is for telling a joke or a story; reportar is too formal for that.

Idioms & Expressions

"Reportar-se aos fatos"

— To stick to the facts or refer only to what is proven.

Vamos nos reportar aos fatos e evitar rumores.

Formal

"Reportar-se à fonte"

— To go back to the original source of information.

Para entender a lei, é preciso se reportar à fonte original.

Academic

"Nada a reportar"

— The equivalent of 'nothing to report' (all is well).

A patrulha voltou e disse: 'Nada a reportar'.

Military/Security

"Reportar-se ao início"

— To go back to the beginning of a story or problem.

Devemos nos reportar ao início para achar o erro.

Neutral

"Reportar-se ao texto"

— To refer to the text (common in literary analysis).

Ao responder, reporte-se ao texto da página dez.

Academic

"Reportar-se à autoridade"

— To refer a matter to someone with more power.

Ele preferiu se reportar à autoridade competente.

Formal

"Reportar-se ao contrato"

— To refer to the terms of a legal agreement.

Em caso de dúvida, reporte-se ao contrato.

Business

"Reportar-se ao passado glorioso"

— To reminisce or refer back to a better time.

O velho político sempre se reporta ao passado glorioso.

Literary

"Reportar por inteiro"

— To report everything without leaving anything out.

Você deve reportar por inteiro o que viu.

Neutral

"Reportar-se ao contexto"

— To consider the surrounding circumstances.

É preciso se reportar ao contexto histórico da época.

Academic

Easily Confused

reportar vs Reporte

Looks like the English noun 'report'.

In Portuguese, 'reporte' is rare. Use 'relatório' for a document or 'reportagem' for a news story.

Aqui está o relatório (not reporte) de vendas.

reportar vs Repórter

It is the person, not the action.

Repórter is the noun for the professional journalist.

O repórter vai reportar a notícia.

reportar vs Relatório

Commonly confused with the verb.

Relatório is a noun (the document); reportar is the verb (the action).

Eu escrevi o relatório.

reportar vs Suporte

Often used with reportar.

Suporte is where you send the report, not the report itself.

Reporte o bug ao suporte.

reportar vs Denúncia

Similar context.

Denúncia is specifically for crimes or bad behavior; reportar is broader.

A denúncia foi feita à polícia.

Sentence Patterns

Eu vou reportar [noun].

Eu vou reportar o erro.

[Subject] reportou [noun] a [person].

Ela reportou o problema ao chefe.

Eu me reporto a [person].

Eu me reporto ao gerente.

Foi reportado que [clause].

Foi reportado que o site está fora do ar.

É necessário que [subject] reporte [noun].

É necessário que você reporte os lucros.

Ao reportar [noun], [clause].

Ao reportar o erro, ele ajudou a equipe.

[Noun] reporta-se a [concept].

Esta lei reporta-se ao direito internacional.

Se nos reportarmos a [source], [clause].

Se nos reportarmos à história, veremos a solução.

Word Family

Nouns

repórter (reporter)

reportagem (report/news story)

relatório (report/document)

reporte (act of reporting - less common)

Verbs

reportar (to report)

relatar (to recount/narrate)

Adjectives

reportado (reported)

reportável (reportable)

notícia

comunicação

informação

dados

autoridade

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in professional and digital domains; moderate in casual daily life.

Common Mistakes

Using 'reportar' for 'reporting to a place'. → Eu me apresentei na recepção.
In English, you 'report to the front desk'. In Portuguese, you use 'apresentar-se'.
Saying 'o reporte' for a business report. → O relatório de vendas.
'Reporte' is not commonly used as a noun. 'Relatório' is the correct term for a document.
Omitting the preposition 'a' when reporting to someone. → Eu reportei o erro ao meu chefe.
You must use 'a' (or 'ao') to indicate the recipient of the report.
Using 'reportar' for casual storytelling. → Vou te contar o que aconteceu.
'Reportar' is too formal for casual stories. Use 'contar' instead.
Incorrect reflexive pronoun placement in Brazil. → Eu me reporto a ele.
In Brazil, 'Eu reporto-me' sounds overly formal or European. 'Eu me reporto' is standard.

Tips

Master the Preposition

Always remember the 'a'. If you say 'Reportei o gerente', you are reporting the manager for doing something wrong. If you say 'Reportei ao gerente', you are giving information to the manager.

Business Essential

If you work in a Portuguese-speaking office, 'reportar' is one of the top 50 verbs you need. Practice saying who you report to using the reflexive form.

Bug Reporting

When using 'reportar um bug', try to include 'onde' (where) and 'quando' (when) to make your Portuguese more functional.

Social Media Safety

Knowing the word 'reportar' helps you navigate social media safety tools. Look for it if you see content that shouldn't be there.

The Initial R

Don't use the English 'r'. In most Portuguese accents, 'reportar' starts with a sound like the 'h' in 'house' or a scratchy sound in the throat.

Choose the Noun Carefully

Avoid the temptation to say 'o reporte'. Always use 'o relatório' for business documents. This is a hallmark of a good learner.

Legal Weight

Use 'reportar' when talking to authorities. It shows respect for the formal process and makes your statement sound more credible.

Reflexive Nuance

Remember that 'reportar-se' can mean 'to refer to'. In a formal essay, use it to link your current point to a previous one.

News Cues

When you hear 'foi reportado', get ready for facts or statistics. It's a key signal in journalistic Portuguese.

Check Your Transitivity

Ask yourself: Am I reporting *something* (direct) or *to someone* (indirect)? This determines if you need 'o/a' or 'ao/à'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Reporter' (repórter) who needs to 'Report' (reportar) the news. The word is almost identical in English, just add 'ar' to make it a verb.

Visual Association

Imagine a person carrying a heavy box labeled 'DATA' back to their boss. They are 'carrying back' (re-porting) the information.

Word Web

trabalho chefe erro notícia sistema polícia relatório informar

Challenge

Try to use 'reportar' in three different ways today: once about a technical problem, once about a work update, and once about a piece of news you heard.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'reportare', which is composed of 're-' (back) and 'portare' (to carry).

Original meaning: The literal original meaning was 'to carry back' or 'to bring back'.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Cultural Context

Be aware that in some contexts, 'reportar' someone (like a colleague) can be seen as 'snitching' (dedurar), so use it carefully in social dynamics.

English speakers find this word easy because it is a cognate. However, they must be careful not to use it for 'reporting to a place' (showing up).

Jornal Nacional (Brazil's main news program often uses the verb for its correspondents). RTP Notícias (Portugal's public broadcaster). Digital safety campaigns (e.g., 'Reportar é proteger').

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace Updates

Reportar o progresso
Reportar ao gerente
Reportar resultados trimestrais
Reportar horas extras

Technical Support

Reportar um bug
Reportar falha no sistema
Reportar erro de conexão
Reportar instabilidade

News and Media

Reportar ao vivo
Reportar os fatos
Reportar a situação
Reportar a crise

Legal/Safety

Reportar um crime
Reportar atividade suspeita
Reportar um roubo
Reportar abuso

Academic/Research

Reportar descobertas
Reportar dados
Reportar-se a estudos anteriores
Reportar evidências

Conversation Starters

"A quem você se reporta na sua empresa atual?"

"Você já precisou reportar um erro grave em um aplicativo?"

"Como os jornalistas devem reportar notícias polêmicas?"

"É fácil reportar crimes na sua cidade?"

"Você acha importante reportar comportamentos tóxicos na internet?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma vez que você teve que reportar um problema difícil para alguém em autoridade.

Como a tecnologia mudou a forma como nós reportamos erros e falhas hoje em dia?

Descreva a hierarquia da sua empresa: a quem você se reporta e quem se reporta a você?

Imagine que você é um correspondente internacional. Reporte um evento fictício que está acontecendo agora.

Qual a diferença moral entre 'reportar' um erro e 'denunciar' uma pessoa?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that is a common mistake. To say you showed up at work or a desk, use 'apresentar-se'. For example, 'Eu me apresentei ao trabalho às oito horas'.

It is used in both, but its usage in corporate and tech contexts is slightly more influenced by English in Brazil. In Portugal, it retains a very formal and sometimes literary tone.

Think of 'reportar' as a notification (e.g., flagging a bug) and 'relatar' as a narrative (e.g., describing exactly how an accident happened).

Use the reflexive form: 'Eu me reporto ao gerente' (Brazil) or 'Reporto-me ao gerente' (Portugal).

Not really. 'Reportar' is official. For gossip, use 'fofocar' or 'contar as novidades'.

It exists in some dictionaries as a synonym for 'reportagem' or 'relato', but it is very uncommon. You should almost always use 'relatório' or 'reportagem' instead.

Usually 'a' (to). If you report something to someone, it's 'reportar algo a alguém'.

Not necessarily. You can reportar results, progress, or data that is positive. However, it is very common for problems.

It is regular: eu reportei, você reportou, ele/ela reportou, nós reportamos, vocês/eles/elas reportaram.

Yes, in formal contexts, 'reportar-se a um livro' means to refer back to or cite that book.