vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the dictionary definitions of "fantasia" are largely the same, there is a significant difference in typical usage. In Brazilian Portuguese, "fantasia" is the standard, primary word used to refer to a "costume" (such as for Carnival or a themed party). In Continental Portuguese, while "fantasia" is understood, it is much more natural to use fato (costume) or disfarce (disguise). Furthermore, when discussing the mental faculty of imagination, Brazilians often use "fantasia," whereas Portuguese speakers more naturally use imaginação.

Pronunciation also differs: Brazilian Portuguese features more open, melodic, and unstressed vowels, while Continental Portuguese features more closed, reduced, or "swallowed" vowels.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

1. Eu comprei uma fantasia de super-herói. (I bought a superhero costume.)
2. A criança adora usar fantasia de princesa. (The child loves wearing princess costumes.)
3. Ele tem uma fantasia de que pode voar. (He has a fantasy/delusion that he can fly.)
4. A nossa fantasia de Carnaval está pronta. (Our Carnival costume is ready.)
5. O filme é uma obra de pura fantasia. (The movie is a work of pure fantasy.)

Continental Portuguese Examples:

1. Eu comprei um fato de super-herói. (I bought a superhero costume.)
2. A criança adora usar disfarces de princesa. (The child loves wearing princess disguises/costumes.)
3. Ele tem uma imaginação muito fértil. (He has a very fertile imagination.)
4. O nosso fato de Carnaval está pronto. (Our Carnival costume is ready.)
5. O filme é uma obra de pura fantasia. (The movie is a work of pure fantasy.)