vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the word "baú" retains the same core definition in both dialects, there is a difference in typical usage. In Brazil, "baú" is the standard term for both a heavy travel trunk and a large storage chest. In Portugal, while "baú" is used for travel trunks, the word arca is the much more natural and frequent choice when referring to a large piece of furniture or a wooden chest used for storage.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

1. Guardei as minhas roupas de inverno no baú. (I stored my winter clothes in the trunk.)
2. O baú estava cheio de brinquedos antigos. (The trunk was full of old toys.)
3. Ele viajou pelo mundo carregando apenas um baú. (He traveled the world carrying only one trunk.)
4. Encontrei uma fotografia antiga dentro do baú. (I found an old photograph inside the trunk.)
5. O baú de madeira ficou no sótão por anos. (The wooden trunk stayed in the attic for years.)

Portuguese (Portugal) Examples:

1. Guardei as minhas roupas de inverno na arca. (I stored my winter clothes in the chest.)
2. A arca estava cheia de brinquedos antigos. (The chest was full of old toys.)
3. Ele viajou pelo mundo carregando apenas um baú. (He traveled the world carrying only one trunk.)
4. Encontrei uma fotografia antiga dentro da arca. (I found an old photograph inside the chest.)
5. A arca de madeira ficou no sótão por anos. (The wooden chest stayed in the attic for years.)