vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the core meanings of "corrente" (a physical chain, an electric or water current, or a school of thought) are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese, there is a difference in typical usage when the word is used as an adjective. In Brazil, "corrente" is frequently used to denote something "current" or "present" (e.g., ano corrente). In Portugal, while "corrente" is used in formal or legal contexts, it is much less common in everyday speech, where the word "atual" is the natural choice to express the same idea.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. A corrente de metal está muito pesada. (The metal chain is very heavy.)
2. A corrente elétrica pode causar acidentes. (The electric current can cause accidents.)
3. No ano corrente, a economia cresceu pouco. (In the current year, the economy grew little.)
4. Ele pertence a uma corrente de pensamento moderna. (He belongs to a modern school of thought.)
5. Cuidado para não espalhar essa corrente no WhatsApp. (Be careful not to spread this chain message on WhatsApp.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. A corrente de metal está muito pesada. (The metal chain is very heavy.)
2. A corrente elétrica pode causar acidentes. (The electric current can cause accidents.)
3. No ano atual, a economia cresceu pouco. (In the current year, the economy grew little.)
4. Ele segue uma linha de pensamento moderna. (He follows a modern school of thought.)
5. Cuidado para não espalhares essa corrente no WhatsApp. (Be careful not to spread this chain message on WhatsApp.)