vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the word exists in both varieties, the typical usage differs significantly. In Brazil, plantão is the standard term for a work shift (especially in healthcare, police, or emergency services) and for the state of being "on call." In Portugal, "plantão" is much less common for work schedules; it is primarily used to refer to "breaking news" bulletins. To express the idea of a work shift or being on duty, a Portuguese person would more naturally use turno (shift) or serviço/prevenção (duty/on call).

Brazilian Portuguese

1. Eu estou de plantão hoje. (I am on call today.)
2. O médico terminou o plantão agora há pouco. (The doctor finished his shift a little while ago.)
3. A equipe de enfermagem está de plantão. (The nursing team is on duty.)
4. Tive um plantão de doze horas. (I had a twelve-hour shift.)
5. O policial de plantão chegou. (The officer on duty has arrived.)

Continental Portuguese

1. Eu estou de serviço hoje. (I am on duty today.)
2. O médico terminou o turno agora há pouco. (The doctor finished the shift a little while ago.)
3. A equipa de enfermagem está de serviço. (The nursing team is on duty.)
4. Tive um turno de doze horas. (I had a twelve-hour shift.)
5. O polícia de serviço chegou. (The officer on duty has arrived.)