discreet person

[dɪˈskriːt ˈpɜːrsən]
noun phrasepl: discreet people / discreet persons
pessoa discreta
1. An individual who is careful and prudent in behavior, speech, or actions; someone who maintains confidentiality and respects privacy
She is a discreet person who never gossips about others' personal matters.
Ela é uma pessoa discreta que nunca fofoca sobre assuntos pessoais dos outros.
2. Someone who acts with restraint and moderation, avoiding attention or ostentation
As a discreet person, he prefers to help others without seeking recognition.
Como uma pessoa discreta, ele prefere ajudar os outros sem buscar reconhecimento.
3. An individual who is tactful and circumspect in handling sensitive or delicate situations
The therapist is a discreet person who maintains strict confidentiality with all clients.
A terapeuta é uma pessoa discreta que mantém rigorosa confidencialidade com todos os clientes.
In Brazilian culture, being a discreet person is generally valued as a sign of maturity, wisdom, and good character. This trait is especially respected in professional and personal relationships. In American culture, discretion is highly valued in contexts involving confidentiality, such as law, medicine, and psychology, though Americans may be more outspoken in casual settings compared to Brazilian social norms.
NYC Slang
low-key person / someone who keeps it real quiet
Synonyms / Sinônimos
tactful personcircumspect personprudent personreserved personconfidential person
Antonyms / Antônimos
indiscreet persongossipy persontactless personoutspoken personloose-tongued person

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
pessoa discreta
Standard and widely used term throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
pessoa discreta / pessoa de bom senso
May emphasize good judgment alongside discretion
São Paulo
pessoa discreta / pessoa reservada
Sometimes paired with 'reservada' to emphasize reserved nature
Portugal
pessoa discreta
Identical usage; also 'pessoa reservada' is common

Related Words

discretionconfidentialitytactprudencerestraintmodesty

Related Idioms & Phrases

a closed mouth gathers no foot
keep your cards close to your chest
loose lips sink ships
discretion is the better part of valor
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