Quick answer
Alterar is a general change. Modificar emphasizes making modifications.
A reliable test is to identify the job of the word before translating from English.
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What each word does
alterar
to alter or change
Use alterar for changing data, plans, settings, texts, or a state.
modificar
to modify
Use modificar for making modifications, often to structure, design, wording, or form.
How to choose
- alterar: Choose alterar if the sentence points to changing data, plans, settings, texts, or a state.
- modificar: Choose modificar if the sentence points to making modifications, often to structure, design, wording, or form.
Examples
Preciso alterar meu cadastro.
I need to change my registration.
Modificamos o projeto inicial.
We modified the initial project.
Common trap
In forms and settings, alterar is often the normal interface verb.
Practice it in context
Pick one sentence from your real life and write it twice: once with alterar, then once with modificar. If both versions feel possible, name the meaning shift.
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