vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the core legal concept of shared ownership is the same, the typical usage differs significantly. In Brazil, "condomínio" is the standard word used to describe the physical residential complex itself, whether it is an apartment building or a gated community of houses. In Portugal, "condomínio" refers primarily to the administrative entity, the group of owners, or the management of the building. To refer to the physical structure, a Portuguese person would typically use "prermatural" (building) or "prédio" for apartments, and "urbanização" for a gated community of houses. Additionally, when referring to the monthly maintenance fee, Brazilians say "o valor do condomínio," whereas Portuguese people more commonly use "a quota do condomínio."

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu moro em um condomínio fechado. (I live in a gated community.)
2. O valor do condomínio aumentou este mês. (The condo fee increased this month.)
3. O condomínio tem uma piscina maravilhosa. (The condo has a wonderful swimming pool.)
4. O síndico do condomínio avisou sobre a manutenção. (The condo manager announced the maintenance.)
5. Meu condomínio é muito seguro e tranquilo. (My condo is very safe and peaceful.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Eu moro num prédio. (I live in an apartment building.)
2. A quota do condomínio subiu bastante. (The condo fee went up quite a bit.)
3. O meu prédio é muito antigo. (My building is very old.)
4. Amanhã haverá uma reunião de condomínio. (There will be a condo owners' meeting tomorrow.)
5. O administrador do condomínio é muito eficiente. (The condo administrator is very efficient.)