vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the anatomical meaning of "orelha" (the external part of the ear) is identical in both dialects, there is a difference in typical usage and grammar. In Brazilian Portuguese, "orelha" is commonly used as a metaphor for a scolding or reprimand (e.g., levar uma orelha). In Continental Portuguese, this idiomatic usage is not standard; a Portuguese person would more likely use the word raspanete. Furthermore, there are significant differences in pronunciation (Brazilian vowels are more open/nasalized, while Portuguese vowels are more closed/reduced) and grammar (the use of the gerund in Brazil versus the preposition "a" + infinitive in Portugal).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

1. Minha orelha está doendo muito. (My ear is hurting a lot.)
2. O chefe me deu uma orelha hoje de manhã. (The boss gave me a scolding this morning.)
3. Ele tem uma orelha bem pequena. (He has a very small ear.)
4. Cuidado para não machucar a orelha do bebê. (Be careful not to hurt the baby's ear.)
5. A orelha do cachorro está suja. (The dog's ear is dirty.)

Continental Portuguese Examples:

1. A minha orelha está a doer muito. (My ear is hurting a lot.)
2. O chefe deu-me um raspanete hoje de manhã. (The boss gave me a scolding this morning.)
3. Ele tem uma orelha muito pequena. (He has a very small ear.)
4. Tem cuidado para não ferires a orelha do bebé. (Be careful not to injure the baby's ear.)
5. A orelha do cão está suja. (The dog's ear is dirty.)