Quick answer
Opcao is an available option. Escolha is the choice you make.
A reliable test is to identify the job of the word before translating from English.
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What each word does
escolha
choice
Use escolha for the act or result of choosing.
opcao
option
Use opcao for one available possibility among several.
How to choose
- escolha: Choose escolha if the sentence points to the act or result of choosing.
- opcao: Choose opcao if the sentence points to one available possibility among several.
Examples
Foi uma escolha dificil.
It was a difficult choice.
Temos tres opcoes.
We have three options.
Common trap
Before deciding, you have opcoes. The decision itself is a escolha.
Practice it in context
Pick one sentence from your real life and write it twice: once with escolha, then once with opcao. If both versions feel possible, name the meaning shift.
Learn Brazilian Portuguese step by step
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