vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the spelling and dictionary definitions are essentially the same, there is a significant difference in typical usage.

In Brazil, the word experimentado is most naturally used to describe things, methods, or processes that have been "tested," "tried," or "proven" (synonymous with testado or provado). When a Brazilian wants to describe a person who possesses a high level of skill or knowledge, they much more naturally use the word experiente.

In Portugal, however, experimentado is a very common and natural way to describe a person who is "seasoned," "skilled," or "experienced." While a Portuguese person can also use experiente, experimentado is frequently used to denote someone with a long history of practice.

Brazilian Portuguese (Using "experimentado" for tested objects/methods)

• Este é um método experimentado e seguro. (This is a tested and safe method.)
• O produto foi experimentado em laboratório. (The product was tested in a laboratory.)
• Buscamos um caminho experimentado para evitar riscos. (We are looking for a tried path to avoid risks.)
• Este é um processo experimentado pela nossa equipe. (This is a process tested by our team.)
• Usei um sistema já experimentado anteriormente. (I used a system that had already been tested previously.)

Continental Portuguese (Using "experimentado" to express a person's experience)

• Ele é um médico muito experimentado. (He is a very experienced doctor.)
• Precisamos contratar um professor experimentado. (We need to hire an experienced teacher.)
• O capitão é um marinheiro muito experimentado. (The captain is a very experienced sailor.)
• É um artesão experimentado na sua arte. (He is a seasoned craftsman in his art.)
• Ele é um motorista experimentado em estradas de terra. (He is an experienced driver on dirt roads.)