vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the core meaning, spelling, and grammar of "ligação" are identical in both dialects, there is a difference in typical usage regarding telephony. In Brazil, "ligação" is the standard, everyday word used to refer to a telephone call. In Portugal, while "ligação" is used to describe a physical or abstract connection (like a bond or a technical link), the word "chamada" is the natural and most common term for a phone call.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu perdi a ligação porque o sinal estava ruim. (I lost the call because the signal was bad.)
2. Ele tem uma ligação muito forte com a família. (He has a very strong bond with his family.)
3. Não vejo nenhuma ligação entre esses dois assuntos. (I don't see any connection between these two subjects.)
4. Preciso fazer uma ligação importante agora. (I need to make an important call right now.)
5. A ligação da internet caiu de repente. (The internet connection dropped suddenly.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Eu perdi a chamada porque o sinal estava mau. (I lost the call because the signal was bad.)
2. Ele tem uma ligação muito forte com a família. (He has a very strong bond with his family.)
3. Não vejo qualquer ligação entre estes dois assuntos. (I don't see any connection between these two subjects.)
4. Preciso de fazer uma chamada importante agora. (I need to make an important call right now.)
5. A ligação da internet caiu de repente. (The internet connection dropped suddenly.)