The verb aconselhar translates to “to advise” or “to counsel” in English. It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object – someone or something to receive the action. When using aconselhar, you are typically suggesting that one person is giving advice to another. This verb is often used in formal settings, such as between a professional and a client, or in any scenario where guidance is provided.

Eu aconselho você a estudar mais para o exame. (I advise you to study more for the exam.)

In this sentence, the speaker is directly giving advice to someone else, making it clear who is advising and who is being advised.

Understanding Aconselhar-se

On the other hand, aconselhar-se is a pronominal verb, which means it is used with reflexive pronouns. This verb translates to “to seek advice” or “to consult.” When using aconselhar-se, the subject of the sentence is both the giver and the receiver of the advice, indicating a more introspective or self-reflective action.

Eu vou me aconselhar com meu professor sobre as opções de carreira. (I will seek advice from my teacher about career options.)

Here, the focus is on the action of seeking advice rather than giving it, emphasizing the subject’s initiative to consult someone else.

Contextual Differences and Nuances

The choice between aconselhar and aconselhar-se often depends on the context and the nature of the interaction. aconselhar is straightforward and one-directional, suitable for scenarios where authority or expertise is asserted. In contrast, aconselhar-se implies a two-way interaction and is often used when the advice seeker is taking an active role in the discussion or decision-making process.

O médico aconselhou o paciente a evitar certos alimentos. (The doctor advised the patient to avoid certain foods.)

Ela vai se aconselhar com os colegas antes de tomar uma decisão. (She will consult with colleagues before making a decision.)

Practical Applications in Everyday Conversations

Knowing when and how to use these verbs can enhance your conversational fluency in Portuguese. For learners, practicing these verbs in context can help solidify understanding and usage. Consider role-playing exercises where one person gives advice using aconselhar, and the other seeks advice using aconselhar-se. This not only helps in mastering the verbs but also in understanding the subtleties of formal and informal advice-giving in Portuguese culture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A frequent mistake learners make is confusing the reflexive pronoun usage in aconselhar-se, leading to incorrect sentence structures. Remember, the reflexive pronoun must agree with the subject in number and gender, and it is crucial for conveying the correct meaning.

Ele se aconselhou com o mentor dele. (He sought advice from his mentor.)

Avoid saying: “Ele aconselhou com o mentor dele.” This sentence omits the reflexive pronoun, changing the meaning and suggesting that he advised the mentor, rather than seeking advice.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of aconselhar and aconselhar-se can significantly impact your proficiency and confidence in European Portuguese. By understanding the nuances and applying them correctly, you can navigate complex conversational landscapes more effectively. Whether you are giving advice in a professional setting or seeking guidance in personal matters, these verbs are indispensable tools in your linguistic toolkit. Continue practicing, and don’t hesitate to seek advice from native speakers – they can provide insights that no textbook can.