vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

There are differences in both meaning and typical usage between Brazilian and Continental Portuguese regarding the word "reformar":

• Meaning (Retirement): In Portugal, "reformar" (or the pronominal "reformar-se") is the standard verb used for retirement. In Brazil, the standard verb for retirement is "aposentar-se." In Brazil, "reformar" is only used in the context of retirement when referring specifically to military personnel being retired due to disability (a process called reforma).
• Typical Usage (Renovations): When discussing home improvements, Brazilians frequently use the verb "reformar" to describe the process of renovating a room or house. While understandable in Portugal, a native speaker would more naturally use the expression "fazer obras" (to do works/renovations).

Brazilian Portuguese examples (using "reformar"):

1. Vou reformar a minha sala. (I am going to renovate my living room.)
2. Eles vão reformar a cozinha no mês que vem. (They are going to renovate the kitchen next month.)
3. O governo pretende reformar a lei trabalhista. (The government intends to reform the labor law.)
4. O militar foi reformado após o acidente. (The military man was retired/placed on disability after the accident.)
5. Quero reformar o meu carro antigo. (I want to refurbish my old car.)

European Portuguese examples (using natural regional alternatives):

1. Vou fazer obras na minha sala. (I am going to do some works in my living room.)
2. Eles vão fazer obras na cozinha no próximo mês. (They are going to do some works in the kitchen next month.)
3. O governo pretende reformar a lei trabalhista. (The government intends to reform the labor law.)
4. O militar reformou-se após o acidente. (The military man retired after the accident.)
5. Quero restaurar o meu carro antigo. (I want to restore my old car.)