Resume vs. Resumo: Ask for a CV or a Summary in Portuguese
A resumo is usually a summary. When applying for a job, ask about the currículo rather than a resumo.
Real Life Portuguese · 4 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
For a résumé or CV, Brazilian Portuguese uses currículo. You can send or update your currículo when applying for a job. Resume as a verb, meaning to continue after a pause, is retomar or continuar.
Use currículo for a résumé or CV
Enviei meu currículo para a vaga ontem.
I sent my résumé for the position yesterday.
Vamos retomar a conversa depois do almoço.
Let’s resume the conversation after lunch.
Use resumo for a summary
Resumo means summary or abstract. It describes a shortened account of a report, lesson, or book. Resumir is the verb “to summarize.” Context usually makes this meaning clear.
Você pode fazer um resumo do relatório?
Can you write a summary of the report?
Vou resumir os pontos principais da reunião.
I’m going to summarize the main points of the meeting.
Match the word to the situation
A job application calls for a currículo. A class assignment may ask for a resumo. When you mean to start an activity again, choose retomar. These related-looking words belong to different tasks.
A empresa pediu um currículo atualizado.
The company asked for an updated résumé.
O professor pediu um resumo de uma página.
The teacher asked for a one-page summary.
Put it into practice
Currículo is a CV; resumo is a summary; retomar means to resume an activity.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “The company asked for an updated résumé”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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