vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the core meaning of the word remains the same (trousers/pants), there is a significant difference in typical usage. In Brazil, it is very common to refer to a single garment in the singular (uma calça). In Portugal, the plural form (as calças) is almost exclusively used to refer to the item of clothing. Additionally, there is a vocabulary difference regarding the material: Brazilians typically use the word "jeans," whereas Portuguese people use "ganga."

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu comprei uma calça jeans nova. (I bought a new pair of jeans.)
2. Essa calça está muito apertada. (Those pants are very tight.)
3. Onde você comprou essa calça? (Where did you buy those pants?)
4. Eu não gosto de usar calça preta no calor. (I don't like wearing black pants in the heat.)
5. Preciso passar minha calça para o trabalho. (I need to iron my pants for work.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Eu comprei umas calças de ganga novas. (I bought new jeans.)
2. Estas calças estão muito apertadas. (These pants are very tight.)
3. Onde é que compraste essas calças? (Where did you buy those pants?)
4. Não gosto de usar calças pretas quando está calor. (I don't like wearing black pants when it is hot.)
5. Tenho de passar as calças para o trabalho. (I have to iron my pants for work.)