vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the word "frente" has the same meaning and spelling in both Brazilian and European Portuguese, there is a difference in typical usage regarding the prepositions used with it. In Brazil, the most natural way to express "in front of" is using the contraction "na frente" (em + a). In Portugal, the standard and much more common way to express this is using "à frente" (a + a).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Ele está parado na frente da loja. (He is standing in front of the shop.)
2. O carro está na frente do caminhão. (The car is in front of the truck.)
3. Eu moro bem na frente da escola. (I live right in front of the school.)
4. Ela está de frente para o mar. (She is facing the sea.)
5. Estamos frente a frente com a situação. (We are face to face with the situation.)

European Portuguese Examples

1. Ele está parado à frente da loja. (He is standing in front of the shop.)
2. O carro está à frente do camião. (The car is in front of the truck.)
3. Eu moro mesmo à frente da escola. (I live right in front of the school.)
4. Ela está de frente para o mar. (She is facing the sea.)
5. Estamos frente a frente com a situação. (We are face to face with the situation.)