Portuguese · Real conversations
How to say “Is this the right word?” in Portuguese
Check whether your choice of vocabulary fits a particular situation.
Essa é a palavra certa?
Is this the right word?
Show the word, then give the sentence or context where you want to use it.
Use it in three situations
Choosing an adjective
Essa é a palavra certa?
Is this the right word?
Checking a work term
Essa é a palavra certa para uma mensagem formal?
Is this the right word for a formal message?
Learning a useful expression
Essa é a palavra certa nessa frase?
Is this the right word in this sentence?
What to watch for
A dictionary meaning alone cannot tell you whether a word suits every context.
Read the whole expression before replacing a detail. The natural wording may use a different order or construction from the English sentence.
Your turn
Imagine repairing a conversation. Say this in Portuguese: Is this the right word for a formal message?
Reveal a sample reply
Essa é a palavra certa para uma mensagem formal?
Is this the right word for a formal message?
Build a useful exchange
Check a meaning and leave with something you can use.
This expression in other languages
A note on speaking Portuguese
These guides use Brazilian Portuguese. Você is a common everyday address; senhor or senhora may fit a more formal interaction. Eu gostaria and poderia can soften requests without making them complicated.
Keep the accents and nasal spellings, such as não and conexão. Portuguese in Portugal may use different everyday vocabulary or pronouns. The examples aim for broadly understandable Brazilian wording.
