vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the dictionary definition and spelling of "querido" remain the same in both varieties, there are differences in typical usage and pronunciation.

• Usage: In Brazil, "querido" is frequently used as a casual, friendly way to address acquaintances, service workers, or even strangers (e.g., a shopkeeper calling a customer "querido"). In Portugal, using "querido" to address a stranger is much less common and can be perceived as overly familiar or even patronizing. In Portugal, the term is more strictly reserved for close friends, family, or romantic partners.
• Pronunciation: Brazilian Portuguese features more open vowels and a more melodic, syllable-timed rhythm. Continental Portuguese features more closed, "reduced" vowels and a stress-timed rhythm, making the word sound much shorter and more clipped.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. "Oi, querido, tudo bem?" (Hi, dear, how are you?)
2. "Você é um amigo muito querido." (You are a very dear friend.)
3. "Obrigada, querido, pela ajuda." (Thank you, dear, for the help.)
4. "Aquele rapaz é muito querido na escola." (That boy is very beloved at school.)
5. "Não fala assim, meu querido." (Don't talk like that, my dear.)

Portuguese (Portugal) Examples

1. "Olá, meu querido, como estás?" (Hello, my dear, how are you?)
2. "Ele é um amigo muito querido." (He is a very dear friend.)
3. "Querido, podes dar-me uma ajuda?" (Darling, can you give me a hand?)
4. "A minha avó era uma pessoa muito querida." (My grandmother was a very dear person.)
5. "Este é um objeto muito querido por mim." (This is an object very dear to me.)