PortugueseAs with other languages, there are also “false friends” in Portuguese, or as they call them: “false cognates”.
These are words that are spelled the same or with slight variations but can have completely different meanings in another language.
This similarity is mostly due to the fact that both words share the same etymological origin, but over the years and through the evolution of the language, each one has assigned a different meaning to the same word.
When it comes to Portuguese, there are also certain confusions between European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese speakers. These differences can lead to misunderstandings, so it is important to know them in order to communicate effectively in Portuguese across different regions.
False friends between European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese
Everyday Life
Embaraçada: In Portugal, it means “confused.” In Brazil, it announces that a woman is “pregnant”!
Pasta: For the Portuguese, “pasta” is a folder. But in Brazil, you’re talking about pasta.
Borracha: An eraser in Portugal? Correct. But in Brazil, it refers to someone who has drunk too much.
Trem: In Portugal, it means a movement or tremor. But in Brazil, it’s a train!
Roupa: In Brazil, it means clothes. In Portugal, it means soup!
Pele: “Skin” in Brazil, but in Portugal, it’s a fight!
Cueca: A joke in Portugal, but in Brazil, it means men’s underwear.
Work and Business
Oficina: In Brazil, it refers to a repair shop or mechanic’s workshop. In Portugal, it means an office.
Propina: In Portugal, it means a tip or gratuity. Be careful in Brazil! There, it means a bribe.
Fato: In Portugal, it means a suit. In Brazil, it refers to a fact or event.
Vitrina: In Portugal, it’s a display cabinet. In Brazil, it’s a shop window.
Apelido: In Portugal, it’s a surname. In Brazil, it’s a nickname.
Relationships and Emotions
Rapariga: In Portugal, it means a “girl” or “young woman.” Watch out in Brazil! It has negative connotations and can refer to a prostitute.
Molestar: In Portugal, it means “to annoy.” In Brazil, it has a much more serious meaning, referring to sexual abuse.
Canalha: In both countries it describes someone with bad intentions. In Brazil, however, it can also refer to a group of mischievous children.
Pouco: In Brazil, it means “little.” In Portugal, it can be used with the meaning of “soon.”
Rato: In Portugal, it means a short period of time. In Brazil, it’s a mouse.
Saudade: In both countries, it expresses a feeling of longing or nostalgia. In Brazil, however, it carries a deeper and more melancholic nuance.
Gripe: In Portugal, it refers to the flow of a liquid. In Brazil, it means the flu.
Garoto/Garota: In Portugal, it refers to something small or of little value. In Brazil, it means a boy or a girl.
Lembrar: In Portugal, it means to warn or remind someone. In Brazil, it means to remember or recall.
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Exercises
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