vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

The difference lies in typical usage. In Brazil, "estadunidense" is a common, formal, and precise alternative to "americano," often used in journalism, academia, or to avoid the implication that "America" refers only to one country. In Portugal, "americano" is the standard and almost exclusive term used in both casual and formal speech; "estadunidense" is much rarer and sounds highly formal or even academic to a native Portuguese speaker.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. O governo estadunidense anunciou novas sanções econômicas. (The US government announced new economic sanctions.)
2. A cultura estadunidense exerce grande influência no Brasil. (US culture exerts great influence on Brazil.)
3. Ela é uma renomada cientista estadunidense. (She is a renowned US scientist.)
4. As leis estadunidenses podem ser muito complexas. (US laws can be very complex.)
5. O visto estadunidense foi aprovado ontem. (The US visa was approved yesterday.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. O governo americano anunciou novas sanções económicas. (The US government announced new economic sanctions.)
2. A cultura americana tem muita influência em Portugal. (US culture has a lot of influence in Portugal.)
3. Ela é uma investigadora americana muito famosa. (She is a very famous US researcher.)
4. As leis americanas podem ser muito complexas. (US laws can be very complex.)
5. O visto americano foi aprovado ontem. (The US visa was approved yesterday.)