vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

The difference between the two lies primarily in spelling and usage.

In Brazil, the word has been adapted into Portuguese orthography as bufê. In Portugal, the original French spelling, buffet, is used and is the standard. While the meaning remains the same (a self-service meal or a catering service), a Portuguese person is much more likely to use the term "catering" when referring to the service/company, and "à discrição" to describe the "all-you-can-eat" style of the meal. Additionally, while Brazilians often use "salgados" for small savory snacks, Portuguese people typically use "petiscos."

Brazilian Portuguese

1. O bufê de doces estava maravilhoso. (The dessert buffet was wonderful.)
2. Vamos contratar um bufê para a festa. (We are going to hire a buffet/catering service for the party.)
3. O bufê livre é a melhor opção para o almoço. (The all-you-can-eat buffet is the best option for lunch.)
4. Ela trabalha em um bufê de luxo. (She works in a luxury buffet/catering company.)
5. O bufê servia salgados e bebidas. (The buffet served savory snacks and drinks.)

European Portuguese

1. O buffet de doces estava maravilhoso. (The dessert buffet was wonderful.)
2. Vamos contratar um catering para a festa. (We are going to hire a catering service for the party.)
3. O buffet à discrição é a melhor opção para o almoço. (The all-you-can-eat buffet is the best option for lunch.)
4. Ela trabalha num buffet de luxo. (She works in a luxury buffet.)
5. O buffet servia petiscos e bebidas. (The buffet served snacks and drinks.)