vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

The primary difference between the two is spelling. In Brazilian Portuguese, the word is spelled controle, whereas in Continental Portuguese (Portugal), the standard spelling is controlo.

Differences:

• Spelling: Brazil uses the "e" ending (controle), while Portugal uses the "o" ending (controlo).
• Pronunciation: In Brazil, the final syllable ends in a high, closed vowel sound, often sounding like "ee" (/kõ'tro-li/). In Portugal, the final syllable ends in a closed "o" sound, sounding like "oo" (/kõ'tro-lu/).
• Typical Usage: While the meaning of "regulation" or "management" is the same, there is a significant difference in how one refers to a "remote control." Brazilians use controle (or controle remoto), while Portuguese people almost exclusively use the word comando.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

1. "Onde está o controle da televisão?" (Where is the TV remote?)
2. "O motorista perdeu o controle do carro." (The driver lost control of the car.)
3. "Precisamos de um controle de qualidade mais rigoroso." (We need stricter quality control.)
4. "Ele perdeu o controle de sua raiva." (He lost control of his anger.)
5. "O controle de acesso à fábrica é restrito." (Access control to the factory is restricted.)

Continental Portuguese Examples:

1. "Onde está o comando da televisão?" (Where is the TV remote?)
2. "O condutor perdeu o controlo do automóvel." (The driver lost control of the car.)
3. "Precisamos de um controlo de qualidade mais rigoroso." (We need stricter quality control.)
4. "Ele perdeu o controlo da sua raiva." (He lost control of his anger.)
5. "O controlo de acesso à fábrica é restrito." (Access control to the factory is restricted.)