Quick answer
Falar can be one-way or general. Conversar is a real back-and-forth conversation.
A reliable test is to identify the job of the word before translating from English.
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What each word does
falar
to speak or say
Use falar for speaking, saying something, using a language, or addressing a topic.
conversar
to chat or converse
Use conversar for two-way conversation, usually more relaxed or extended.
How to choose
- falar: Choose falar if the sentence points to speaking, saying something, using a language, or addressing a topic.
- conversar: Choose conversar if the sentence points to two-way conversation, usually more relaxed or extended.
Examples
Preciso falar com voce.
I need to talk to you.
Conversamos por uma hora.
We talked for an hour.
Common trap
If both people participate, conversar often sounds warmer and more precise.
Practice it in context
Pick one sentence from your real life and write it twice: once with falar, then once with conversar. If both versions feel possible, name the meaning shift.
Learn Brazilian Portuguese step by step
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