Quick answer
Ouvir can happen by accident. Escutar implies attention.
A reliable test is to identify the job of the word before translating from English.
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What each word does
ouvir
to hear
Use ouvir for perceiving sound, with or without deliberate attention.
escutar
to listen
Use escutar for paying attention to sound, music, a person, or a message.
How to choose
- ouvir: Choose ouvir if the sentence points to perceiving sound, with or without deliberate attention.
- escutar: Choose escutar if the sentence points to paying attention to sound, music, a person, or a message.
Examples
Eu ouvi um barulho.
I heard a noise.
Escute esta musica.
Listen to this song.
Common trap
If you want someone to pay attention, escutar is usually stronger than ouvir.
Practice it in context
Pick one sentence from your real life and write it twice: once with ouvir, then once with escutar. If both versions feel possible, name the meaning shift.
Learn Brazilian Portuguese step by step
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