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

No. While the fundamental dictionary definition is the same, there are differences in typical usage. In Brazil, "aplicar" is the standard, everyday verb used for financial investments (e.g., "aplicar o dinheiro") and is very common when referring to the topical application of creams or medicines. In Portugal, while "aplicar" is grammatically correct, speakers more naturally use "investir" for finance and "passar" for topical applications.

Brazilian Portuguese Usage

  1. Eu vou aplicar meu dinheiro em ações. (I am going to invest my money in stocks.)
  2. Você deve aplicar o remédio na ferida. (You must apply the medicine to the wound.)
  3. Ele é um aluno muito aplicado. (He is a very studious student.)
  4. O guarda vai aplicar uma multa ao motorista. (The officer is going to issue a fine to the driver.)
  5. O professor vai aplicar a prova amanhã. (The teacher will administer the exam tomorrow.)

Continental Portuguese Usage

  1. Eu vou investir o meu dinheiro em ações. (I am going to invest my money in stocks.)
  2. Você deve passar o remédio na ferida. (You must put the medicine on the wound.)
  3. Ele é um aluno muito dedicado. (He is a very dedicated student.)
  4. O agente vai impor uma multa ao condutor. (The officer is going to impose a fine on the driver.)
  5. O professor vai fazer o teste amanhã. (The teacher is going to give the test tomorrow.)