vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the dictionary definition remains the same—to reduce consumption or to set something aside—there is a significant difference in typical usage. In Brazil, economizar is the most natural and frequent verb used when referring to saving money, time, or resources. In Portugal, the verb poupar is the standard and much more natural choice for these contexts. While a Portuguese person would understand economizar, using it frequently in place of poupar can sound like a Brazilianism.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

1. Eu preciso economizar dinheiro para a minha viagem. (I need to save money for my trip.)
2. Precisamos economizar energia elétrica em casa. (We need to save electricity at home.)
3. Ela sempre tenta economizar no supermercado. (She always tries to save at the supermarket.)
4. Não adianta economizar tempo se o trabalho ficar malfeito. (There is no point in saving time if the work ends up poorly done.)
5. Vamos economizar água durante a seca. (Let's save water during the drought.)

Continental Portuguese Examples:

1. Eu preciso de poupar dinheiro para as minhas férias. (I need to save money for my holidays.)
2. Temos de poupar energia elétrica em casa. (We have to save electricity at home.)
3. Ela tenta sempre poupar no supermercado. (She always tries to save at the supermarket.)
4. Não vale a pena poupar tempo se o trabalho ficar mal feito. (It is not worth saving time if the work ends up poorly done.)
5. Temos de poupar água durante a seca. (We have to save water during the drought.)