vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

Look up any Duolingo word — find out how it differs between Brazilian and European Portuguese

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

No

The difference lies in typical usage. In Brazil, "americano" is the standard term for a specific type of coffee (espresso diluted with hot water). In Portugal, this term is not used for beverages; instead, a person would ask for "café com água" or "café longo." Additionally, while both dialects use the word for nationality, speakers in Portugal more frequently use "norte-americano" or "estadunidense" to be more precise and avoid ambiguity regarding the American continent.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

1. Eu vou pedir um café americano. (I am going to order an Americano coffee.)
2. Aquele ator é americano. (That actor is American.)
3. A cultura americana é muito influente. (American culture is very influential.)
4. Ele é um cidadão americano. (He is an American citizen.)
5. As marcas americanas são famosas aqui. (American brands are famous here.)

Continental Portuguese Examples:

1. Eu vou pedir um café com água. (I am going to order a coffee with water.)
2. Aquele ator é norte-americano. (That actor is North American.)
3. A cultura estadunidense é muito influente. (American/US culture is very influential.)
4. Ele é um cidadão dos Estados Unidos. (He is a citizen of the United States.)
5. As marcas norte-americanas são famosas aqui. (North American brands are famous here.)