vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the underlying meaning of the word remains the same (a tool used to sharpen pencils), there is a difference in typical usage. In Brazil, "apontador" is the standard and most common term for the tool. In Portugal, while "apontador" may be understood, the standard and most natural term used for the same object is "sacapontas."

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Você viu meu apontador? (Did you see my pencil sharpener?)
2. Preciso de um apontador agora. (I need a pencil sharpener now.)
3. Esse apontador é muito fofo. (This pencil sharpener is very cute.)
4. O apontador sumiu da minha mochila. (The pencil sharpener disappeared from my backpack.)
5. Guarde o apontador no estojo. (Put the pencil sharpener in the pencil case.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Viste o meu sacapontas? (Did you see my pencil sharpener?)
2. Preciso de um sacapontas agora. (I need a pencil sharpener now.)
3. Este sacapontas é muito giro. (This pencil sharpener is very cute/nice.)
4. O sacapontas desapareceu da minha mochila. (The pencil sharpener disappeared from my backpack.)
5. Guarda o sacapontas no estojo. (Put the pencil sharpener in the pencil case.)