Escolher vs. Decidir: Pick an Option or Make a Decision?
Escolher is to choose among options; decidir is to settle what action or conclusion to take. The verbs can appear together.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Escolher means choose or select. It focuses on picking one person, item, or possibility from a set: escolher um prato, escolher entre duas datas.
Use escolher when selecting among options
Use escolher entre + options to name alternatives. You can also use escolher + noun when the choice is already clear.
Ainda não escolhi o prato.
I haven’t chosen the dish yet.
Você pode escolher entre café e chá.
You can choose between coffee and tea.
Ela escolheu a data mais conveniente.
She chose the most convenient date.
Use decidir for reaching a conclusion or taking action
Decidir means decide or make up your mind. It focuses on settling what to do, whether or not the sentence names a list: decidir viajar, decidir o horário. It commonly appears with an infinitive when you name an action.
A decision may involve choosing an option, so the verbs can describe adjacent steps: decidir viajar e escolher o destino (decide to travel and choose the destination).
Decidimos sair mais cedo.
We decided to leave earlier.
Ele ainda não decidiu o que vai fazer.
He hasn’t decided what he’s going to do yet.
Escolhi o voo e decidi comprar a passagem.
I chose the flight and decided to buy the ticket.
Put it into practice
Escolher highlights selecting an option; decidir highlights reaching a decision or settling what to do. Use them together when both steps matter.
Quick practice
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