vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

The spelling, meaning, and grammar of the word "horror" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. However, there is a difference in typical usage and pronunciation:

• Usage: While "horror" is used in both dialects to describe intense fear or disgust, Brazilians frequently use the term "filme de horror" to refer to the genre, whereas people in Portugal much more naturally use the word "terror" (e.g., "filme de terror"). Additionally, when describing dirt or filth, Brazilians use "sujeira," while Portuguese people typically use "sujidade."
• Pronunciation: In Brazilian Portuguese, the "rr" is often more aspirated, sounding similar to the English "h" in "house." In Continental Portuguese, the "rr" is typically a more guttural, uvular sound. The vowels also tend to be more open in Brazil and more closed or neutralized in Portugal.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Sinto um horror imenso por baratas. (I feel an immense horror toward cockroaches.)
2. Aquele filme de horror me deu pesadelos. (That horror movie gave me nightmares.)
3. É um horror ver tanta sujeira na rua. (It is a horror to see so much dirt on the street.)
4. O cenário da guerra era um horror. (The war scene was a horror.)
5. Ela gritou de horror ao ver o acidente. (She screamed in horror upon seeing the accident.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Sinto um horror imenso por baratas. (I feel an immense horror toward cockroaches.)
2. Aquele filme de terror me deu pesadelos. (That horror movie gave me nightmares.)
3. É um horror ver tanta sujidade na rua. (It is a horror to see so much dirt on the street.)
4. O cenário da guerra era um horror. (The war scene was a horror.)
5. Ela gritou de horror ao ver o acidente. (She screamed in horror upon seeing the accident.)