vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the word "carona" is understood in both varieties, there is a difference in typical usage. In Brazil, "carona" is the standard, everyday word for a ride or a lift in a vehicle. In Portugal, although "carona" is used (often specifically to refer to hitchhiking), the most natural and common word to express the idea of getting a ride is "boleia." Additionally, the verbs used to accompany these words often differ (Brazilians typically use pegar or dar, while Portuguese people often use apanhar or dar).

Brazilian Portuguese

1. Você pode me dar uma carona até o metrô? (Can you give me a ride to the subway?)
2. Eu peguei uma carona com um colega de trabalho. (I got a ride with a coworker.)
3. Preciso de uma carona para o aeroporto amanhã. (I need a ride to the airport tomorrow.)
4. Ela me deu uma carona até a estação de trem. (She gave me a ride to the train station.)
5. Eu não gosto de pegar carona com estranhos. (I don't like hitchhiking/getting a ride from strangers.)

Continental Portuguese

1. Podes dar-me uma boleia até ao metro? (Can you give me a lift to the metro?)
2. Eu apanhei uma boleia com um colega de trabalho. (I caught a lift with a coworker.)
3. Preciso de uma boleia para o aeroporto amanhã. (I need a lift to the airport tomorrow.)
4. Ela deu-me uma boleia até à estação de comboios. (She gave me a lift to the train station.)
5. Eu não gosto de pedir boleia a desconhecidos. (I don't like asking strangers for a lift.)