vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No. Although the spelling is identical, the typical usage is different. In Brazil, "prefeito" is the standard term for the elected head of a municipality. In Portugal, this official is referred to as "presidente da câmara" (President of the Chamber). Using "prefeito" in Portugal to refer to a municipal leader would sound unnatural or like a "brasileirismo."

Brazilian Portuguese

1. O prefeito assinou o novo decreto. (The mayor signed the new decree.)
2. Nós precisamos conversar com o prefeito. (We need to talk to the mayor.)
3. O prefeito está visitando o nosso bairro. (The mayor is visiting our neighborhood.)
4. A reeleição do prefeito foi confirmada. (The mayor's reelection was confirmed.)
5. O prefeito prometeu construir novas escolas. (The mayor promised to build new schools.)

Continental Portuguese

1. O presidente da câmara assinou o novo decreto. (The president of the chamber signed the new decree.)
2. Nós temos de falar com o presidente da câmara. (We have to speak with the president of the chamber.)
3. O presidente da câmara está a visitar o nosso bairro. (The president of the chamber is visiting our neighborhood.)
4. A reeleição do presidente da câmara foi confirmada. (The president of the chamber's reelection was confirmed.)
5. O presidente da câmara prometeu construir novas escolas. (The president of the chamber promised to build new schools.)