vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the spelling, grammar, and primary dictionary meanings of "general" are identical in both dialects, there are differences in typical usage and pronunciation:

• Usage (Prepositions): In Brazil, it is very common to use the contraction "no geral" (in the general) to mean "overall" or "in general." In Portugal, the standard and more natural expression is "em geral."
• Usage (Slang): In Brazilian Portuguese, "o geral" is used colloquially to refer to "everyone," "the crowd," or "the masses." A person from Portugal would typically use "toda a gente" or "o pessoal" to express this idea.
• Pronunciation: In Brazil, the "l" at the end of the word is vocalized (sounding like a "u"), and the vowels are more open. In Portugal, the "l" is a clear lateral consonant, and the vowels are more closed/reduced.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

1. O general comandou a tropa. (The general commanded the troop.)
2. No geral, o evento foi um sucesso. (Overall, the event was a success.)
3. Ele tem uma visão geral do problema. (He has a general view of the problem.)
4. Precisamos de um plano geral para a empresa. (We need a general plan for the company.)
5. O geral já está esperando na porta. (Everyone is already waiting at the door.)

Continental Portuguese Examples:

1. O general comandou a tropa. (The general commanded the troop.)
2. Em geral, o evento foi um sucesso. (In general, the event was a success.)
3. Ele tem uma visão geral do problema. (He has a general view of the problem.)
4. Precisamos de um plano geral para a empresa. (We need a general plan for the company.)
5. Toda a gente já está à espera à porta. (Everyone is already waiting at the door.)