Quick answer
Confirmar says or checks that something is true. Comprovar proves it with evidence.
A reliable test is to identify the job of the word before translating from English.
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What each word does
confirmar
to confirm
Use confirmar for saying something is true, fixed, or agreed.
comprovar
to prove or substantiate
Use comprovar for showing evidence that something is true.
How to choose
- confirmar: Choose confirmar if the sentence points to saying something is true, fixed, or agreed.
- comprovar: Choose comprovar if the sentence points to showing evidence that something is true.
Examples
Confirmei a reserva.
I confirmed the reservation.
O documento comprovou o pagamento.
The document proved the payment.
Common trap
For reservations and attendance, confirmar is right. For documents and proof, use comprovar.
Practice it in context
Pick one sentence from your real life and write it twice: once with confirmar, then once with comprovar. If both versions feel possible, name the meaning shift.
Learn Brazilian Portuguese step by step
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