← Back to searchWord Index →
Is the word ficado the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?
No
While the dictionary definition and spelling of "ficado" are identical in both dialects, there are significant differences in usage and pronunciation:
- Usage (Grammar): In Brazil, the compound tense formed with "ficado" (e.g., tenho ficado) is frequently used to describe an action that started in the past and continues into the present (e.g., "I have been staying..."). In Portugal, this specific construction is used much less frequently for this purpose; Portuguese speakers often prefer the pretérito perfeito simples (e.g., fiquei) or use the verb estar (to be) to express a continuous state.
- Pronunciation: In most Brazilian regions, the "d" in "ficado" is palatalized, sounding like a "dj" (fi-ca-djoo). In Portugal, the "d" is dental, with the tongue touching the teeth.
- Vocabulary Context: The way "ficado" is used often involves different regional vocabulary; for example, a Brazilian would use "celular," while a Portuguese person would use "telemóvel."
Brazilian Portuguese Examples:
- Eu tenho ficado muito cansado ultimamente. (I have been getting very tired lately.)
- Ele tem ficado em casa durante as férias. (He has been staying at home during the holidays.)
- A cidade tem ficado mais barulhenta. (The city has been becoming noisier.)
- Vocês têm ficado muito tempo no celular. (You all have been spending a lot of time on the cell phone.)
- Nós temos ficado amigos após a briga. (We have remained friends after the fight.)
Continental Portuguese Examples:
- Tenho estado muito cansado ultimamente. (I have been [staying/being] very tired lately.)
- Ele tem estado em casa durante as férias. (He has been [staying/being] at home during the holidays.)
- A cidade tornou-se mais barulhenta. (The city became/turned noisier.)
- Vocês têm passado muito tempo no telemóvel. (You all have been spending much time on the mobile phone.)
- Continuamos amigos apesar da briga. (We remain/continue to be friends despite the fight.)
vs
· BR vs PT Word Differences