vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

The difference between the two variants lies in typical usage and social connotation. In Brazilian Portuguese, "deficiente" is most naturally used as an adjective to indicate that something is lacking, poor, or insufficient (e.g., "serviço deficiente"). When referring to people, using "deficiente" as a noun is increasingly considered insensitive or outdated; the socially preferred and standard term is "pessoa com deficiência" (person with a disability). In Continental Portuguese, while the shift toward person-first language is also occurring, it remains much more common and natural to use "deficiente" as a noun to refer to a person.

Brazilian Portuguese

• O atendimento está muito deficiente. (The service is very poor.)
• A nutrição da criança está deficiente. (The child's nutrition is deficient.)
• O nível de instrução é deficiente para o cargo. (The level of education is deficient for the position.)
• A iluminação da rua está deficiente. (The street lighting is deficient.)
• O sistema de apoio é deficiente. (The support system is deficient.)

Portuguese (Portugal)

• O atendimento é muito mau. (The service is very bad.)
• A nutrição da criança é insuficiente. (The child's nutrition is insufficient.)
• O nível de instrução é escasso. (The level of education is scarce.)
• A iluminação da rua está precária. (The street lighting is precarious.)
• O deficiente precisa de apoio. (The disabled person needs support.)