Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| dirigir | /d͡ʒi.ɾiˈʒi(ʁ)/ (Brazil) /d͡ʒi.ɾiˈʒi(ɾ)/ (São Paulo) |
| conduzir | /kõ.duˈzi(ʁ)/ (Brazil) /kõ.duˈzi(ɾ)/ (São Paulo) |
The primary meaning of these verbs is to operate a wheeled motorized vehicle. Beyond physical driving, dirigir can be used figuratively to mean to direct or manage something, such as a company or an orchestra. In a computing context, the English word 'drive' is used for a mass-storage device, while unidade refers to the apparatus for reading and writing to or from a storage device.
Which one should you use?
Dirigir is the standard term for driving a vehicle, but it also carries the figurative meaning of directing or managing. Conduzir is a synonym used specifically for driving a vehicle, though it also carries the sense of 'to conduct'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, conduzir is the preferred and more formal term for driving, while dirigir is also commonly used. In Brazil, the verb pilotar is typically used when referring to driving motorcycles.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/dʒi.ɾiˈʒi(ʁ)/. The word has three syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- The verb conduzir is used not only for vehicles but also for the way electricity flows through a wire.
- The word dirigir was a learned borrowing from the Latin dīrigere, which meant 'to steer'.
Examples in context
- Eu já sei dirigir.I already know how to drive.This sentence is useful for expressing the ability to drive with dirigir.Tatoeba #2357875 by alexmarcelo, translation #2291628 by CK
- Eu não sei dirigir.I don't know how to drive.Tatoeba #6959190 by Ricardo14, translation #1841691 by CK
- Não o deixe dirigir!Don't let him drive!This sentence is useful for giving a command regarding driving with dirigir.Tatoeba #9480949 by carlosalberto, translation #9480584 by Adelpa
- Ela gostaria de conduzir o carro hoje à noite.She would like to drive the car tonight.
- Ele prefere dirigir durante as viagens longas.He prefers to drive during long trips.
- Vamos dirigir até a praia amanhã?Shall we drive to the beach tomorrow?
- Eu gosto de pilotar carros esportivos.I enjoy driving sports cars.
- 258 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mariana and Rodrigo are planning a road trip.
- MarianaVocê quer dirigir hoje?Do you want to drive today?
- RodrigoSim, eu posso dirigir o carro.Yes, I can drive the car.
- MarianaÓtimo, eu vou no banco do passageiro.Great, I will sit in the passenger seat.
- RodrigoCombinado, vamos partir!Deal, let's go!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “drive” translations and entries dirigir, conduzir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries conduzir, dirigir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
