vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

In terms of typical usage, there is a distinction between the two variants. In Brazil, recreio is the standard and most common word used to refer to the school break period (the time between classes). In Portugal, while "recreio" is understood, the word intervalo is the much more natural and frequent term used to describe the school break. In Portugal, "recreio" is more often associated with the act of playing or the physical area used for recreation (the playground), whereas "intervalo" refers to the period of time.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. O recreio começa às dez horas. (Recess starts at ten o'clock.)
2. Eu adoro brincar com meus amigos no recreio. (I love playing with my friends during recess.)
3. O recreio foi cancelado por causa da chuva. (Recess was canceled because of the rain.)
4. O lanche do recreio estava uma delícia. (The recess snack was delicious.)
5. As crianças fazem muita bagunça no recreio. (The children make a lot of a mess during recess.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. O intervalo começa às dez horas. (The break starts at ten o'clock.)
2. Eu adoro brincar com os meus amigos no intervalo. (I love playing with my friends during the break.)
3. O intervalo foi cancelado por causa da chuva. (The break was canceled because of the rain.)
4. O lanche do intervalo estava uma delícia. (The break snack was delicious.)
5. As crianças fazem muita confusão no intervalo. (The children make a lot of trouble during the break.)