Descontraído vs. relaxado
While both relaxado and descontraído can be translated as "relaxed" in English, their usage regarding people differs significantly in connotation. Descontraído is almost always positive, referring to an easy-going nature, whereas relaxado can imply laziness, carelessness, or a lack of hygiene when describing a personality.
Descontraído
B1This word describes a person who is easy-going, informal, and not stiff. A person who is descontraído makes others feel at ease and lowers the tension in social situations. It is a positive trait associated with being casual and fun.
O professor é muito descontraído e os alunos adoram as aulas dele.
(The teacher is very easy-going and the students love his classes.)
Ela tem um jeito descontraído que faz todo mundo rir.
(She has a relaxed way about her that makes everyone laugh.)
Foi um jantar descontraído, sem necessidade de roupas formais.
(It was a casual dinner, with no need for formal clothes.)
Ele parecia bem descontraído durante a entrevista de emprego.
(He seemed quite relaxed during the job interview.)
Relaxado
A2When referring to a personality, relaxado often carries a negative connotation meaning careless, negligent, sloppy, or lazy. However, it can also refer simply to the temporary physical state of being rested and free of stress.
Ele é um funcionário muito relaxado e vive perdendo os prazos.
(He is a very careless employee and is always missing deadlines.)
Não seja relaxado com a sua saúde.
(Don't be negligent with your health.)
Ela é um pouco relaxada com a limpeza da casa.
(She is a bit sloppy with the house cleaning.)
Depois da massagem, eu me senti totalmente relaxado.
(After the massage, I felt totally relaxed.)
Estou me sentindo relaxado depois de um fim de semana na praia.
(I am feeling relaxed after a weekend at the beach.)
Summary
Use descontraído when you want to compliment someone for being informal, cool, or easy to be around. Use relaxado carefully; if you use it to describe a character trait, it usually means the person is lazy or sloppy. If you use relaxado to describe a physical feeling, it simply means rested.