vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "defeito" has the exact same meaning, spelling, and grammatical function in both Brazilian and European Portuguese. It refers to a flaw, a defect, an imperfection, or a fault (either in an object or a person's character).

The only difference lies in pronunciation:

• In Brazil: The vowels are more open and distinct. The first "e" is clearly pronounced as [de-'fɛ.tu].
• In Portugal: Unstressed vowels are often reduced or "swallowed." The first "e" is much more closed and can sound almost like a short "i" or a neutral schwa [dɨ-'fɛ.tu].

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Este carro tem um defeito no motor. (This car has a defect in the engine.)
2. Não tente esconder seus defeitos de mim. (Don't try to hide your flaws from me.)
3. Achei um defeito nessa camisa, tem um furo aqui. (I found a flaw in this shirt, there is a hole here.)
4. Todo mundo tem algum defeito que precisa melhorar. (Everyone has some flaw that needs improvement.)
5. O produto veio com um defeito de fábrica. (The product came with a factory defect.)

European Portuguese Examples

1. Este carro tem um defeito no motor. (This car has a defect in the engine.)
2. Não tentes esconder os teus defeitos. (Don't try to hide your flaws. — Note the use of the "tu" conjugation and the possessive "os teus".)
3. Detetei um defeito nesta camisa. (I detected a flaw in this shirt. — Note the use of "detetei" and the spelling/pronunciation of "detetei" which is common in PT-PT.)
4. Toda a gente tem algum defeito. (Everyone has some flaw. — Note the use of "toda a gente" instead of the Brazilian "todo mundo".)
5. O produto veio com um defeito de fabrico. (The product came with a manufacturing defect. — Note the use of "fabrico" instead of the Brazilian "fábrica" when referring to the process of manufacturing.)