← Back to searchWord Index →

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

No

While the core dictionary definition of "demitir" is similar in both variants, there are significant differences in typical usage and grammar.

In Brazilian Portuguese, "demitir" is the standard, everyday verb used when an employer terminates an employee's contract (to fire). It is also frequently used in the reflexive form (se demitir) to mean "to resign."

In Continental Portuguese, "despedir" is the standard, everyday verb used for firing someone. While "demitir" is understood, it is much more formal and is typically reserved for high-ranking officials or politicians (e.g., a minister being dismissed). For the act of resigning, a Portuguese person would use the reflexive "demitir-se," but they would use "despedir" for the act of firing a worker. Additionally, the placement of reflexive pronouns differs (Brazilian Portuguese prefers se demitir, while Continental Portuguese prefers demitir-se).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

  1. O gerente demitiu o funcionário ontem. (The manager fired the employee yesterday.)
  2. Eu fui demitido da empresa. (I was fired from the company.)
  3. A empresa vai demitir muitos trabalhadores. (The company is going to fire many workers.)
  4. Ela não quer ser demitida. (She does not want to be fired.)
  5. Ele decidiu se demitir do cargo. (He decided to resign from the position.)

Continental Portuguese Examples:

  1. O gerente despediu o funcionário ontem. (The manager fired the employee yesterday.)
  2. Fui despedido da empresa. (I was fired from the company.)
  3. A empresa vai despedir muitos trabalhadores. (The company is going to fire many workers.)
  4. Ela não quer ser despedida. (She does not want to be fired.)
  5. Ele decidiu demitir-se do cargo. (He decided to resign from the position.)