perceber

Senses

1. 1.

   to perceive; to notice

   to become aware of something through the senses or mind

2. 2.

   to understand; to grasp

   to comprehend or make sense of something

3. 3.

   to receive (payment); to collect

   to obtain or be paid money (formal/legal context)

4. 4.

   to realize

   to come to understand or become conscious of a fact

Examples

• "Ele percebeu que a porta estava aberta."

  He noticed that the door was open.

• "Não consegui perceber o que ela disse."

  I couldn't understand what she said.

• "Os funcionários percebem seus salários no final do mês."

  The employees receive their salaries at the end of the month.

Usage

Perceber is one of the most frequently used verbs in Brazilian Portuguese. The senses of "notice" and "understand" are by far the most common in everyday speech; the "receive payment" sense is more formal and legal. Often used with the conjunction "que" + clause (perceber que...). Not to be confused with "perceptível" (perceptible) or "percepção" (perception).