BR vs PT · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

← Back to searchWord Index →

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

No. While the core meaning of the word (annoying, boring, or tedious) remains the same, there is a difference in typical usage. In Brazil, "chata" is the ubiquitous, all-purpose adjective used for a vast range of unpleasant experiences or personalities. In Portugal, while "chata" is used, there is a much higher preference for using specific synonyms such as secante (to describe a person or a boring event) or maçador (to describe a tedious task). Additionally, there is a pronunciation difference: Brazilians (in most regions) pronounce the "t" with a palatalized sound [tʃ], whereas Portuguese speakers use a dental [t].

Brazilian Portuguese

  1. Minha irmã é muito chata. (My sister is very annoying.)
  2. Esse filme é muito chato. (This movie is very boring.)
  3. Que situação chata! (What an annoying situation!)
  4. Ela é uma pessoa chata. (She is an annoying person.)
  5. A aula de hoje foi muito chata. (Today's class was very boring.)

European Portuguese

  1. A minha irmã é muito secante. (My sister is very annoying.)
  2. Este filme é uma seca. (This movie is a bore.)
  3. Que situação maçadora! (What a tiresome situation!)
  4. Ele é um tipo muito secante. (He is a very annoying type.)
  5. O trabalho de hoje foi muito maçador. (Today's work was very tedious.)