capricho vs esmero
Portuguese word comparison
Listen to capricho
Listen to esmero
| capricho | esmero |
|---|---|
/cah-pree-SHO/ noun | /ehs-MEH-roo/ noun |
| Attention to detail, care, or special effort put into doing something well; it can also mean a whim or fancy depending on context. | careful attention and effort to do something well |
How they differ
Esmero focuses on the quality of the work itself: precision, neatness, and thoroughness. Capricho can mean that same care, but it more easily suggests a personal touch or a decorative flourish, and in other contexts it can also mean a whim.
When to use each
When to use capricho: Prefer capricho when you want to suggest careful attention plus a bit of special, personal effort.
When to use esmero: Prefer esmero when you want to emphasize meticulous care and high-quality execution without the idea of whim or ornament.
Side-by-side examples
- Ele fez o bolo com capricho.
(He made the cake with great care.) - Ele fez o bolo com esmero.
(He made the cake with great care and precision.)
Register & nuance: Esmero is slightly more formal and literary than capricho in the sense of careful work.