Revisar vs. rever
The Portuguese verbs revisar and rever both relate to looking at something again, acting as synonyms for reviewing or revising content. However, their usage differs based on regional preference (Brazil vs. Portugal) and specific contexts, such as vehicle maintenance versus academic study.
Revisar
B1This verb means to examine carefully, to proofread text, or to perform technical maintenance (like on a car). In Brazil, it is the most common word for reviewing study materials for an exam. In Portugal, it is used less frequently, usually restricted to checking tickets on transport or formal auditing.
O mecânico precisa revisar os freios do carro com urgência.
(The mechanic needs to service the car brakes urgently.)
Eu vou revisar toda a matéria de história hoje à noite.
(I am going to review all the history material tonight (Common in Brazil).)
O editor vai revisar o manuscrito antes da publicação.
(The editor will proofread the manuscript before publication.)
O fiscal entrou no trem para revisar os bilhetes dos passageiros.
(The inspector entered the train to check the passengers' tickets.)
Você deve revisar este documento para encontrar erros de digitação.
(You should check this document to find typing errors.)
Rever
B1This verb literally means to see again, but it also means to reconsider an opinion, re-evaluate a situation, or watch something (like a movie) a second time. In Portugal, rever is the preferred standard term for reviewing academic subjects for a test, whereas in Brazil, it is more commonly associated with meeting people again or reconsidering concepts.
Foi maravilhoso rever meus avós depois de tanto tempo.
(It was wonderful to see my grandparents again after so much time.)
Os alunos estão a rever os apontamentos para o exame final.
(The students are reviewing their notes for the final exam (Common in Portugal).)
Precisamos rever nossos conceitos sobre essa estratégia de vendas.
(We need to re-evaluate our concepts regarding this sales strategy.)
Eu gostaria de rever aquele filme antigo neste fim de semana.
(I would like to rewatch that old movie this weekend.)
O governo prometeu rever o orçamento para a saúde.
(The government promised to review the budget for health.)
Summary
While both words can encompass the idea of reviewing, use revisar generally for checking correctness, proofreading, mechanical servicing, and—specifically in Brazil—studying for tests. Use rever when talking about seeing people again, re-watching media, re-evaluating an opinion, or—specifically in Portugal—studying for exams.