vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the spelling and grammar of "interno" are identical in both dialects, there are significant differences in meaning and typical usage:

• Meaning (Medical Context): In Brazil, an interno typically refers to a medical student undergoing clinical rotations (an undergraduate). In Portugal, an interno refers to a doctor who has already graduated and is undergoing specialized residency training (a postgraduate).
• Typical Usage (Inmate): In Brazil, interno is a common term used to refer to a prison inmate. In Portugal, while the word can be used in administrative contexts, it is much more natural to use terms like recluso or detento when referring to a prisoner.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. O problema é interno da empresa. (The problem is internal to the company.)
2. O interno está no hospital hoje. (The intern is at the hospital today.)
3. O treinamento interno foi muito produtivo. (The internal training was very productive.)
4. O interno fugiu da cela durante a noite. (The inmate escaped from the cell during the night.)
5. Fizemos uma busca interna nos arquivos. (We did an internal search in the archives.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. O problema é interno da empresa. (The problem is internal to the company.)
2. O médico interno está no hospital hoje. (The medical intern is at the hospital today.)
3. A formação interna foi muito produtiva. (The internal training was very productive.)
4. O recluso fugiu da cela durante a noite. (The prisoner escaped from the cell during the night.)
5. Fizemos uma pesquisa interna nos arquivos. (We did an internal search in the archives.)