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

No

While the core dictionary definitions of "praças" (the plural of praça) remain the same—referring to public squares or military ranks—there are differences in typical usage and connotation.

In Brazil, the word "praça" is frequently used to describe a public space that includes greenery, trees, and playgrounds (essentially a park). In Portugal, "praça" refers more specifically to a paved, urban square (like the Praça do Comércio); for green spaces, a Portuguese person would more naturally use "parque" or "jardim." Additionally, the Brazilian term "praça de alimentação" (food court) is rarely used in Portugal, where "zona de restauração" is the standard expression.

Brazilian Portuguese Usage

  1. As crianças estão brincando na praça. (The children are playing in the square/park.)
  2. A praça de alimentação do shopping está lotada. (The mall's food court is crowded.)
  3. A cidade tem várias praças muito bonitas e arborizadas. (The city has several very beautiful and wooded squares/parks.)
  4. Ele é um soldado de baixa praça. (He is a low-ranking soldier.)
  5. Vamos nos encontrar nas praças do centro. (Let's meet at the downtown squares.)

Continental Portuguese Usage

  1. As crianças estão a brincar no parque. (The children are playing in the park.)
  2. A zona de restauração do centro comercial está lotada. (The shopping center's food court is crowded.)
  3. A cidade tem vários parques muito bonitos. (The city has several very beautiful parks.)
  4. Ele é um soldado de baixa praça. (He is a low-ranking soldier.)
  5. Vamos encontrar-nos nas praças do centro. (Let's meet at the downtown squares.)