vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the literal dictionary definitions are largely the same, there is a difference in typical usage. In Brazil, the word ligação is the much more common and natural term for a telephone call, while chamada is used more specifically for "roll call" (in schools or work) or "promos/teasers" (on TV). In Portugal, chamada is the standard, everyday term for a telephone call.

Brazilian Portuguese

Note: These examples focus on the natural use of "chamada" in Brazil.

1. O professor já fez a chamada. (The teacher has already taken roll call.)
2. Eu vi a chamada da novela na TV. (I saw the soap opera promo on TV.)
3. A chamada para o concurso foi publicada hoje. (The announcement for the contest was published today.)
4. Não atenda essa chamada de número desconhecido. (Don't answer this call from an unknown number.)
5. A chamada para o embarque foi feita no alto-falante. (The call for boarding was made over the loudspeaker.)

Continental Portuguese

Note: These examples express the same ideas using the vocabulary a person in Portugal would naturally use.

1. O professor já fez a chamada. (The teacher has already taken roll call.)
2. Eu vi o anúncio da novela na TV. (I saw the soap opera ad on TV.)
3. O anúncio do concurso foi publicado hoje. (The announcement for the contest was published today.)
4. Não atendas essa chamada de número desconhecido. (Don't answer this call from an unknown number.)
5. O aviso para o embarque foi feito no alto-falante. (The boarding notice was made over the loudspeaker.)