vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the spelling, grammar, and core meanings (such as performing surgery or the manual handling of machinery) are identical, there is a difference in typical usage. In Brazil, "operar" is commonly used to describe the active state of a system, software, or process (e.g., "the system is operating"). In Portugal, "operar" is more strictly associated with physical or manual tasks; for digital processes or systems, a Portuguese person would much more naturally use "funcionar" (to function) or "correr" (to run).

Brazilian Portuguese

1. O médico vai operar o paciente amanhã. (The doctor will operate on the patient tomorrow.)
2. O sistema está operando corretamente. (The system is operating correctly.)
3. Ele aprendeu a operar este equipamento. (He learned how to operate this equipment.)
4. A empresa opera em vários países. (The company operates in several countries.)
5. O aplicativo está operando em segundo plano. (The app is operating in the background.)

Continental Portuguese

1. O médico vai operar o paciente amanhã. (The doctor will operate on the patient tomorrow.)
2. O sistema está a funcionar corretamente. (The system is functioning correctly.)
3. Ele aprendeu a usar este equipamento. (He learned how to use this equipment.)
4. A empresa atua em vários países. (The company acts/operates in several countries.)
5. A aplicação está a correr em segundo plano. (The app is running in the background.)