vs 
· BR vs PT Word Differences← Back to searchWord Index →
Is the word obra the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?
No
The differences between the use of "obra" in Brazilian and Continental Portuguese involve usage, grammar, and pronunciation:
- Usage/Meaning: In Brazil, "obra" is frequently used to refer to the physical construction site itself (e.g., "Vou até a obra" — I'm going to the construction site). In Portugal, while "obra" refers to the work or the project, a person is more likely to use "canteiro de obras" or "estaleiro" to refer to the physical site or the area where the activity is happening.
- Grammar (Number): In Brazil, it is common to use the singular "em obra" to refer to a single house or building being renovated. In Portugal, the plural "em obras" is the standard way to express that a building is under construction or renovation.
- Pronunciation: The word is phonetically distinct. Brazilian Portuguese features more open, clear vowels and distinct syllables. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels undergo significant reduction; the final "a" in "obra" is often shortened or almost silenced, sounding more like [ˈɔbɾ(ə)].
Brazilian Portuguese
- A obra está atrasada. (The construction is delayed.)
- Vou até a obra para conferir o progresso. (I'm going to the construction site to check the progress.)
- Essa escultura é uma obra de arte magnífica. (This sculpture is a magnificent work of art.)
- A obra da minha casa começou ontem. (The construction of my house started yesterday.)
- Tem uma obra enorme na rodovia. (There is a huge roadwork project on the highway.)
Portuguese (Portugal)
- A obra está atrasada. (The work is delayed.)
- Vou ao canteiro de obras para conferir o progresso. (I'm going to the construction site to check the progress.)
- Esta escultura é uma obra de arte magnífica. (This sculpture is a magnificent work of art.)
- A minha casa está em obras. (My house is under construction.)
- Há obras na estrada. (There are roadworks on the road.)