vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the core meaning (one who provides) remains the same, there is a significant difference in typical usage. In Brazil, "provedor" is the standard and most common term for an Internet Service Provider (ISP). In Portugal, while the word is understood, people naturally use "operadora" (operator) when referring to telecommunications companies. Additionally, "provedor" carries a specific institutional weight in Portugal (e.g., Provedor de Justiça, or Ombudsman), a role that in Brazil is typically referred to as an Ouvidor.

Brazilian Portuguese

1. O meu provedor de internet está com problemas. (My internet provider is having problems.)
2. Precisamos contratar um novo provedor de internet. (We need to hire a new internet provider.)
3. O provedor de serviços aumentou o preço. (The service provider increased the price.)
4. Ele é o provedor de recursos da família. (He is the provider of resources for the family.)
5. O provedor de suporte técnico é muito rápido. (The technical support provider is very fast.)

European Portuguese

1. A minha operadora de internet está com uma avaria. (My internet operator is having a breakdown.)
2. Precisamos de contratar um novo fornecedor de internet. (We need to hire a new internet supplier.)
3. O fornecedor de serviços aumentou o preço. (The service provider/supplier increased the price.)
4. Ele é o provedor de recursos da família. (He is the provider of resources for the family.)
5. O prestador de suporte técnico é muito rápido. (The technical support provider is very fast.)