vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the word "reforma" is spelled identically in both dialects, there are significant differences in meaning and usage:

• Meaning: In Brazil, "reforma" refers to renovation (construction) or a structural/legal change (like a "tax reform"). In Portugal, "reforma" carries an additional, primary meaning: retirement or pension (the state of being retired). In Brazil, the word for retirement is aposentadoria.
• Usage: When talking about physical home renovations, Brazilians naturally use the word "reforma." While a Portuguese person understands "reforma," they are much more likely to use the word "obras" to describe the process of construction or renovation work.
• Grammar/Vocabulary: For legal or structural changes, Portuguese speakers often use different adjectives (e.g., tributária in Brazil vs. fiscal in Portugal).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Vou fazer uma reforma na cozinha. (I am going to renovate the kitchen.)
2. A reforma da escola terminou ontem. (The school renovation finished yesterday.)
3. O governo anunciou uma reforma tributária. (The government announced a tax reform.)
4. Estamos fazendo uma reforma na nossa casa. (We are doing a renovation in our house.)
5. A reforma da lei foi aprovada. (The reform of the law was approved.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Vou fazer obras na cozinha. (I am going to do some works in the kitchen.)
2. A renovação da escola terminou ontem. (The school renovation finished yesterday.)
3. O governo anunciou uma reforma fiscal. (The government announced a tax reform.)
4. Estamos a fazer obras em nossa casa. (We are doing some works in our house.)
5. A reforma da lei foi aprovada. (The reform of the law was approved.)