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Is the word adesivo the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No

While the fundamental meaning of "adesivo" (something that adheres or sticks) is the same in both dialects, there is a significant difference in typical usage regarding the object known as a "sticker."

In Brazil, "adesivo" is the standard word for a sticker (a small piece of paper or vinyl with an adhesive back used for decoration). Brazilians also use "fita adesiva" to refer to Scotch tape or adhesive tape.

In Portugal, the word "autocolante" is much more common for a sticker. While "adesivo" is understood, it is used more frequently to describe the property of being adhesive or the adhesive substance itself. Additionally, for adhesive tape, Portuguese people typically say "fita cola."

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. Eu comprei um adesivo de gato para o meu caderno. (I bought a cat sticker for my notebook.)
  2. Use um adesivo para prender esse papel. (Use a sticker to fasten this paper.)
  3. Preciso de uma fita adesiva para fechar a caixa. (I need some adhesive tape to close the box.)
  4. Esse material é muito adesivo, está colando tudo. (This material is very adhesive, it's sticking to everything.)
  5. Ele colocou um adesivo no carro dele. (He put a sticker on his car.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. Eu comprei um autocolante de gato para o meu caderno. (I bought a cat sticker for my notebook.)
  2. Usa um autocolante para prender este papel. (Use a sticker to fasten this paper.)
  3. Preciso de fita cola para fechar a caixa. (I need adhesive tape to close the box.)
  4. Este material é muito adesivo, está a colar tudo. (This material is very adhesive, it's sticking to everything.)
  5. Ele colocou um autocolante no carro dele. (He put a sticker on his car.)