Portuguese – Brazil or Portugal?

Though similar, it’s important to distinguish between European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese for Translations.

In practical terms, we treat the two as unique languages, and we manage TMs (or translation memories) as a unique language. We only work with native speakers, because native readers will translate fluently.

Native speakers recognize non-native translations. It’s similar to the difference between English in the US and UK.

Among other items, you will find differences in spelling, terms, and phrases. However, the main difference is in spoken Portuguese. Each locale has a distinct accent. We recommend that translations be localized for each market, and in general, we recommend not using a “universal” form for both countries.

Examples of differences between European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese:

Spelling

• reception is “receção” in Portugal but “recepção” in Brazil. (Note, this applies where the letter p is audible in Brazil but Portugal.)

• ‘Media’ (as in, mass media) is “mídia” in Brazil but “media” in Europe

Differences in formal versus informal speech:

This is common in most languages and Portuguese is no exception.

Different Terms: for example:

• Trem vs. Comboio (train)

• Ônibus vs. Autocarro (bus)

• Geladeira vs. Frigorífico (refrigerator)

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