Corrigir vs. Consertar: Correct a Mistake or Fix an Object?
Corrigir usually means correct an error; consertar usually means repair a broken object or system.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Corrigir means correct, amend, or fix something inaccurate or in need of adjustment. Common objects include an answer, spelling mistake, document, or misunderstanding: corrigir um erro.
Use corrigir for an error, answer, or adjustment
The verb can also mean adjust posture or a course of action. Focus on making something more accurate or appropriate rather than repairing a physical break.
A professora corrigiu minha resposta.
The teacher corrected my answer.
Preciso corrigir um erro no formulário.
I need to correct a mistake on the form.
Ele corrigiu a postura durante o exercício.
He corrected his posture during the exercise.
Use consertar for a repair
Consertar commonly means repair or fix an object, device, or system that is damaged or not working: consertar o celular. A mechanic might consertar o carro; a technician can consertar a conexão.
The useful distinction is error versus broken thing. In careful writing, corrigir um erro and consertar um aparelho make the intended action clear.
Vou levar o relógio para consertar.
I’m going to take the watch to be repaired.
O técnico consertou a máquina de lavar.
The technician fixed the washing machine.
Você pode corrigir a data e consertar a impressora?
Can you correct the date and fix the printer?
Put it into practice
Corrigir usually corrects an error, response, or detail. Consertar usually repairs a damaged object or system. Ask whether the problem is inaccurate or broken.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “He corrected his posture during the exercise”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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