Learning a new language can be an exhilarating yet challenging experience, and Portuguese is no exception. As with any language, Portuguese has its own set of intricacies that can often trip up even the most dedicated learners. One such area of confusion lies in the usage of the verbs “descer” and “discernir.” Both of these words can have seemingly similar meanings for English speakers, but they are used in very different contexts. This article will delve into the nuances of these two verbs, helping you understand when and how to use them correctly.
Descer – To Descend
The verb “descer” translates to “to descend” in English. It is used when talking about going down, lowering, or moving from a higher place to a lower place. This verb is quite versatile and can be applied in various contexts, from physical movement to more abstract ideas.
Conjugation of Descer
Before diving into the various uses of “descer,” let’s look at its conjugation in the present tense:
– Eu desço (I descend)
– Tu desces (You descend)
– Ele/Ela/Você desce (He/She/You descend)
– Nós descemos (We descend)
– Vós desceis (You all descend)
– Eles/Elas/Vocês descem (They/You all descend)
It’s important to note that “descer” is a regular -er verb, but it has some irregularities in its conjugation, particularly in the first person singular (eu desço).
Usage of Descer
1. **Physical Movement:**
– “Eu desço as escadas todos os dias.” (I descend the stairs every day.)
– “Eles descem a montanha com cuidado.” (They descend the mountain carefully.)
2. **Lowering Something:**
– “Por favor, desça a cortina.” (Please, lower the curtain.)
– “O piloto desceu o avião com sucesso.” (The pilot successfully descended the plane.)
3. **Abstract or Figurative Descent:**
– “O nível de água desceu rapidamente.” (The water level descended rapidly.)
– “Ele desceu na minha consideração.” (He descended in my esteem.)
Discernir – To Discern
On the other hand, “discernir” means “to discern” in English. This verb is used when you want to talk about perceiving, distinguishing, or recognizing something, especially when it involves careful thought or keen observation.
Conjugation of Discernir
Here is the present tense conjugation for “discernir”:
– Eu discirno (I discern)
– Tu discernes (You discern)
– Ele/Ela/Você discerne (He/She/You discern)
– Nós discernimos (We discern)
– Vós discernis (You all discern)
– Eles/Elas/Vocês discernem (They/You all discern)
“Discernir” is a regular -ir verb, making its conjugation more straightforward compared to “descer.”
Usage of Discernir
1. **Perceiving or Recognizing:**
– “Ele consegue discernir a diferença entre os dois sabores.” (He can discern the difference between the two flavors.)
– “Você precisa discernir os fatos da ficção.” (You need to discern facts from fiction.)
2. **Making Judgments:**
– “É importante discernir as verdadeiras intenções das pessoas.” (It’s important to discern people’s true intentions.)
– “Ela discerniu que ele estava mentindo.” (She discerned that he was lying.)
3. **Spiritual or Philosophical Contexts:**
– “Discernir o propósito da vida pode ser uma tarefa difícil.” (Discerning the purpose of life can be a challenging task.)
– “Os sábios conseguem discernir a verdade oculta.” (Wise people can discern hidden truths.)
Common Mistakes and Tips
Given that “descer” and “discernir” have completely different meanings, using them interchangeably can lead to confusion. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them:
1. **Context is Key:**
– Always consider the context in which you are using the verb. If you are talking about moving downwards or lowering something, “descer” is the correct choice. If you are talking about recognizing or perceiving something, go with “discernir.”
2. **Practice Makes Perfect:**
– Practice using these verbs in sentences. The more you use them, the more familiar you will become with their correct contexts.
3. **Watch Out for False Friends:**
– English speakers might confuse these verbs because they look similar to the English words “descend” and “discern.” However, their meanings are distinct in both languages, so always double-check.
Examples in Sentences
To further illustrate the differences between “descer” and “discernir,” let’s look at some examples:
1. **Descer:**
– “O elevador desceu rapidamente.” (The elevator descended quickly.)
– “Quando o sol desce, a temperatura cai.” (When the sun descends, the temperature drops.)
2. **Discernir:**
– “Ela discerniu um tom de tristeza na voz dele.” (She discerned a tone of sadness in his voice.)
– “Discernir entre o certo e o errado nem sempre é fácil.” (Discerning between right and wrong is not always easy.)
Exercises for Practice
To reinforce your understanding of “descer” and “discernir,” try these exercises:
1. Fill in the blank with the correct form of “descer” or “discernir”:
– “Ele __________ a montanha com cuidado.” (descend)
– “Ela __________ que ele estava preocupado.” (discern)
2. Translate the following sentences into Portuguese:
– “I need to descend the stairs.”
– “She can discern the difference between the two paintings.”
3. Write your own sentences using “descer” and “discernir.”
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “descer” and “discernir” is crucial for mastering Portuguese. While “descer” deals with physical or figurative descent, “discernir” involves the act of perceiving or recognizing something. By paying close attention to context and practicing regularly, you can confidently use these verbs in your conversations.
Remember, language learning is a journey, and every step you take brings you closer to fluency. Keep practicing, stay curious, and soon enough, you’ll be navigating these nuances with ease. Happy learning!
