vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

The difference between the two lies in spelling and pronunciation. In Brazil, the word is spelled and pronounced as calouro (/kaˈlow.ɾu/). In Portugal, the standard spelling and pronunciation is caloiro (/kaˈlɔj.ɾu/). While the underlying meaning—referring to a freshman or a newcomer—is identical, the orthographic difference means they are considered different words in their respective varieties of Portuguese.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu sou um calouro na faculdade de medicina. (I am a freshman in medical school.)
2. Os calouros estão organizando uma festa. (The freshmen are organizing a party.)
3. Ele é um calouro muito dedicado. (He is a very dedicated freshman.)
4. Todos os calouros precisam participar da recepção. (All freshmen need to participate in the reception.)
5. Ser calouro é uma experiência inesquecível. (Being a freshman is an unforgettable experience.)

European Portuguese Examples

1. Eu sou um caloiro na faculdade de medicina. (I am a freshman in medical school.)
2. Os caloiros estão a organizar uma festa. (The freshmen are organizing a party.)
3. Ele é um caloiro muito dedicado. (He is a very dedicated freshman.)
4. Todos os caloiros precisam de participar na receção. (All freshmen need to participate in the reception.)
5. Ser caloiro é uma experiência inesquecível. (Being a freshman is an unforgettable experience.)