vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the fundamental meaning of being "let down" is shared, there are differences in typical usage, spota/spelling, and nuance:

• Usage & Nuance: In Brazil, decepcionado is the standard, everyday word used for both emotional disappointment in people and disappointment with situations or objects. In Portugal, while decepcionado is used, the word desiludido (disillusioned) is much more common and natural when expressing emotional hurt or being let down by a person's actions.
• Spelling & Pronunciation: In Portugal, because the "p" is often silent in many regional accents, the spelling dececionado is frequently used. In Brazil, the "p" is clearly pronounced, and the spelling is decepcionado.
• Phonetics: Brazilian Portuguese tends to have more open vowels and a palatalized "d" (sounding like "dj"), whereas Continental Portuguese features more closed, reduced vowels and a dental "d" (tongue touching the teeth).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

1. Estou muito decepcionado com o seu comportamento. (I am very disappointed with your behavior.)
2. Ele ficou decepcionado porque não passou na prova. (He was disappointed because he didn't pass the exam.)
3. Não fique decepcionado, as coisas vão melhorar. (Don't be disappointed, things will get better.)
4. Fiquei decepcionado com o resultado do jogo. (I was disappointed with the game result.)
5. Ela está decepcionada com a decisão da empresa. (She is disappointed with the company's decision.)

Continental Portuguese Examples:

1. Estou muito desiludido com o teu comportamento. (I am very disappointed with your behavior.)
2. Ele ficou desiludido porque não passou no exame. (He was disappointed because he didn't pass the exam.)
3. Não fiques desiludido, as coisas vão melhorar. (Don't be disappointed, things will get better.)
4. Fiquei dececionado com o resultado do jogo. (I was disappointed with the game result.)
5. Ela está desiludida com a decisão da empresa. (She is disappointed with the company's decision.)