Mensagem vs. Recado: Leave a Message in Portuguese
Mensagem is a broad message; recado often means a short note, reminder, or piece of information delivered to someone.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Mensagem is the general word for a message, including a text, voice note, or written communication. The context can specify the format: mensagem de texto or mensagem de voz.
Use mensagem for a message in any format
Use it when you mean the communication itself. Brazilian speakers use mensagem for digital messages as well as other written communication.
Recebi sua mensagem ontem à noite.
I got your message last night.
Vou mandar uma mensagem quando chegar.
I’ll send a message when I arrive.
Ela deixou uma mensagem de voz.
She left a voice message.
Use recado for a short note or information to pass on
Recado often means a brief message, reminder, or information for someone who is not available. Deixar um recado means leave a message; dar um recado means pass along a message or instruction.
A recado may be spoken or written. The word often focuses on the practical information being passed along rather than the communication channel.
Pode dar um recado para a Ana?
Can you pass a message to Ana?
Deixei um recado na mesa da recepção.
I left a note at the reception desk.
Meu chefe pediu para avisar: esse é o recado.
My boss asked me to let you know; that’s the message.
Put it into practice
Mensagem is a broad word for a message. Recado often suggests a short note, reminder, or information passed along, though the meanings overlap.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “My boss asked me to let you know; that’s the message”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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