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

No

While the word "constrangimento" exists in both dialects, there is a difference in typical usage and connotation.

In Brazilian Portuguese, "constrangimento" is the standard word used to describe social awkwardness, embarrassment, or the feeling of being "put on the spot." It describes the uncomfortable atmosphere or the internal feeling of being uneasy.

In Continental Portuguese, while "constrangimento" can be used for social awkwardness, it is much more frequently associated with "constraint," "restriction," or "limitation" (often in a formal, legal, or physical sense, such as constrangimento ilegal—unlawful restraint). When a person in Portugal wants to express the feeling of social embarrassment or awkwardness, they are much more likely to use the words vergonha (shame/embarrassment) or embaraço (awkwardness/embarrassment).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. A situação causou um grande constrangimento para todos. (The situation caused great embarrassment for everyone.)
  2. Não quero causar nenhum constrangimento a você. (I don't want to cause you any awkwardness.)
  3. Senti um certo constrangimento ao ser o centro das atenções. (I felt a certain awkwardness being the center of attention.)
  4. O silêncio na reunião gerou um constrangimento enorme. (The silence during the meeting generated huge awkwardness.)
  5. Foi um momento de muito constrangimento para a família. (It was a moment of much embarrassment for the family.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. A situação causou uma grande vergonha a todos. (The situation caused great embarrassment to everyone.)
  2. Não quero causar qualquer embaraço a você. (I don't want to cause you any awkwardness.)
  3. Senti um certo embaraço ao ser o centro das atenções. (I felt a certain awkwardness being the center of attention.)
  4. O silêncio na reunião gerou um embaraço enorme. (The silence during the meeting generated huge awkwardness.)
  5. Foi um momento de muita vergonha para a família. (It was a moment of much embarrassment for the family.)