considerar

The Portuguese verb considerar is a versatile and essential word that bridges the gap between simple thought and deep deliberation. At its core, it translates to 'to consider' in English, but its usage spans across various semantic layers, from formal decision-making to expressing personal opinions and showing respect. When you use considerar, you are not just 'thinking' (pensar) or 'having an opinion' (achar); you are engaging in a process of evaluation, weighing options, or acknowledging the status of someone or something within a specific context.

Decision Making

This is the most common use. It implies a period of reflection before reaching a conclusion. For example, 'Estamos a considerar a sua proposta' (We are considering your proposal) suggests that a final answer hasn't been reached yet because the details are being analyzed.

In social and professional hierarchies, considerar also takes on the meaning of 'to regard' or 'to view as'. If you say 'Eu considero-o um amigo' (I consider him a friend), you are defining the nature of your relationship. This usage is very common in academic and legal Portuguese, where things are 'considered' valid, legal, or sufficient based on specific criteria. It moves away from the internal process of thinking and toward an external declaration of status.

Respect and Esteem

A nuanced use of the word involves showing high regard for someone. To 'ter consideração por alguém' (to have consideration for someone) means you respect them deeply. The verb itself can imply this level of respect in certain formal phrases.

Furthermore, the word is frequently used in the passive voice or as a reflexive verb in formal writing. Phrases like 'Considera-se que...' (It is considered that...) are staples of journalism and academic papers. This allows the speaker to present a widely held view or a logical conclusion without sounding too subjective. It adds a layer of objectivity and weight to the statement, making it a powerful tool for anyone aiming for a B1 level of proficiency or higher in Portuguese.

Hypothetical Scenarios

When brainstorming or planning, 'considerar' is used to introduce possibilities. 'Vamos considerar a hipótese de...' (Let's consider the hypothesis of...) is a standard way to open a discussion about potential future actions or theoretical situations.

In conclusion, considerar is much more than a synonym for 'to think'. It is a word of weight, evaluation, and social definition. Whether you are weighing a job offer, defining a relationship, or presenting a formal argument, this verb provides the necessary nuance to express complex mental and social processes accurately in Portuguese.

Using considerar correctly requires understanding its grammatical patterns. Unlike some verbs that require specific prepositions, considerar is often a direct transitive verb, meaning it acts directly on an object. However, its structure changes depending on whether you are considering an action, a fact, or a quality. This flexibility is what makes it so useful across different levels of formality and context.

Direct Object (Noun/Pronoun)

When you are evaluating a thing or a person. Structure: [Subject] + [considerar] + [Object]. Example: 'Eu considero a sua oferta.' (I am considering your offer.)

One of the most frequent patterns for B1 learners is the 'Object + Adjective' structure. This is used to express an opinion about something. Structure: [Subject] + [considerar] + [Object] + [Adjective]. For example, 'Eu considero este livro excelente' (I consider this book excellent). Notice that in Portuguese, we don't usually need the word 'como' (as) in this specific structure, although it is sometimes used for emphasis.

With Infinitives

When you are thinking about doing something. Structure: [Subject] + [considerar] + [Infinitive Verb]. Example: 'Ela considera mudar de emprego.' (She is considering changing jobs.)

Another common structure involves the conjunction 'que' to introduce a clause. This is very common in formal speech and writing. Structure: [Subject] + [considerar] + que + [Clause]. Example: 'O diretor considera que a reunião foi produtiva.' (The director considers that the meeting was productive.) This shifts the focus from a single object to an entire situation or fact.

The Passive Voice

In news and reports, you will often see 'ser considerado'. Example: 'Ele é considerado o melhor jogador do mundo.' (He is considered the best player in the world.) This is essential for describing reputations and established facts.

Finally, it is important to note the difference between 'considerar' and 'levar em consideração'. While 'considerar' is the verb, 'levar em consideração' is a multi-word expression meaning 'to take into account'. You use this when you want to emphasize that a specific factor is being included in the decision-making process. For example: 'Deves levar em consideração o preço do combustível.' (You should take into account the price of fuel.)

By mastering these patterns—direct object, object + adjective, infinitive, and 'que' clauses—you will be able to use considerar with the same precision as a native speaker, moving beyond basic communication to more sophisticated expression.

The word considerar is ubiquitous in the Portuguese-speaking world, but the contexts in which you hear it vary significantly. It is not a word reserved for dusty libraries or legal chambers; it is a living part of daily conversation, business negotiations, and media broadcasts. Understanding where it appears helps you grasp its cultural weight and practical utility.

In the Corporate World

In offices in Lisbon, São Paulo, or Luanda, 'considerar' is the go-to verb for professional evaluation. During meetings, you will hear managers say, 'Estamos a considerar novas estratégias de mercado.' It sounds more deliberate and serious than 'pensar'. It implies that a formal process of analysis is underway.

In the news and media, considerar is used to report on government actions or societal trends. A news anchor might say, 'O governo considera baixar os impostos no próximo trimestre.' Here, it signals an intention or a possibility that is being debated at high levels. It is also used to describe how the public perceives certain events: 'A população considera a nova lei injusta.' This usage reflects the collective opinion of a group.

Legal and Official Contexts

This is where the word is most rigid. In a courtroom or a legal document, 'considerar' defines legal reality. 'O juiz considerou o réu culpado' (The judge considered the defendant guilty). In this context, the verb isn't just about an opinion; it's a formal declaration with legal consequences.

In daily life, you'll hear it when people are making life-changing decisions. A friend might tell you, 'Estou a considerar seriamente mudar-me para o campo.' It conveys a sense of gravity that 'estou a pensar' lacks. It suggests that the person has been weighing the pros and cons, looking at their budget, and thinking about the long-term implications. It invites a deeper conversation about the topic.

Academic and Scientific Writing

In research papers, 'considerar' is used to set the scope of a study. 'Neste artigo, consideramos apenas os dados recolhidos em 2023.' It helps define the boundaries of an argument or an investigation.

Whether it's a high-stakes legal ruling or a casual chat about future plans, considerar is the word that signals a transition from passive observation to active, thoughtful evaluation. Paying attention to how native speakers use it in these different settings will greatly improve your ability to navigate both formal and informal Portuguese social structures.

Even though considerar is a cognate of the English 'consider', learners often trip over subtle differences in preposition usage, nuance, and word choice. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and precise. Let's look at the most frequent errors made by English speakers when using this verb.

Overusing 'Como'

In English, we often say 'I consider him as a friend.' In Portuguese, while 'considerar como' is possible, it is much more common and elegant to omit the 'como'. Say 'Eu considero-o um amigo' instead of 'Eu considero-o como um amigo'. The direct structure is the standard.

Another common mistake is confusing considerar with achar. While both can mean 'to think', they are not always interchangeable. 'Achar' is more informal and often refers to a quick opinion or finding something. 'Considerar' implies a more serious, evaluative process. If you say 'Eu acho que vou ao cinema', it's a casual thought. If you say 'Estou a considerar ir ao cinema', it sounds like a much more significant decision than it probably is!

Preposition Confusion

English speakers sometimes try to use 'considerar sobre' or 'considerar em'. In Portuguese, 'considerar' is usually direct. You consider something (direct object). You don't 'consider about' something. Example: 'Consideramos a proposta' (We considered the proposal), not 'Consideramos sobre a proposta'.

Learners also struggle with the reflexive form considerar-se. In English, we might say 'He thinks he's smart.' In Portuguese, if you use 'considerar', you must use the reflexive: 'Ele considera-se inteligente.' Forgetting the 'se' changes the meaning or makes the sentence grammatically incomplete. This is particularly important in European Portuguese where the placement of 'se' follows specific rules (clitics).

Confusion with 'Ponderar'

While similar, 'ponderar' is even more formal and specifically refers to weighing pros and cons. Using 'considerar' is almost always safe, but using 'ponderar' for a simple opinion can sound overly dramatic or archaic in the wrong context.

Finally, remember that 'considerar' is a regular verb. Some learners try to conjugate it like 'dar' or other irregular verbs because of the '-ar' ending, but it follows the standard pattern perfectly. Mastering its conjugation in the present, past, and future will give you a solid foundation for using it correctly without hesitation.

To truly master Portuguese, you need to know when to use considerar and when an alternative might be more precise. Portuguese is a rich language with many verbs that deal with the act of thinking, evaluating, and judging. Each has its own 'flavor' and level of formality. Let's explore the synonyms and related terms that will help you diversify your vocabulary.

Ponderar vs. Considerar

'Ponderar' comes from the Latin word for 'weight'. It specifically means to weigh options carefully. Use 'ponderar' when the decision is heavy or complex. 'Considerar' is broader and can be used for both simple and complex evaluations.

Another important alternative is refletir (to reflect). While 'considerar' is often directed outward (considering a proposal, considering a person), 'refletir' is more internal. It suggests a deeper, more philosophical or personal level of thought. You 'refletir sobre' a topic, whereas you 'considerar' a topic. Notice the preposition 'sobre' is required for 'refletir'.

Examinar and Analisar

These verbs are used when the 'considering' involves looking at data, documents, or physical objects. If you are 'considering' a contract, you are likely 'examinando' (examining) its clauses. 'Analisar' (to analyze) is even more technical and systematic.

For expressing opinions, julgar (to judge) and estimar (to estimate/esteem) are useful. 'Julgar' is stronger than 'considerar' and implies a final verdict or a moral stance. 'Estimar' is often used for physical quantities ('Estimo que o custo será alto') or to show affection and respect for someone ('Eu estimo muito o seu trabalho').

Achar and Pensar

As mentioned before, these are the everyday workhorses. 'Achar' is for opinions ('Acho que vai chover'), and 'pensar' is for the general act of thinking ('Penso em ti todos os dias'). Neither carries the evaluative weight of 'considerar'.

Finally, consider the verb reputar. This is a very formal synonym for 'to consider' in the sense of 'to have a reputation as'. It is rarely heard in conversation but appears frequently in literature and legal texts. For example: 'Ele é reputado como um grande orador.' Knowing these distinctions allows you to choose the exact word for the exact situation, elevating your Portuguese from functional to fluent.