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

No

While the spelling and dictionary definition of "resfria" are the same in both dialects, there is a difference in typical usage. In Brazil, "resfriar" (or "esfriar") is commonly used to describe something losing heat or a temperature dropping. In Portugal, while "resfriar" is understood, it is much more natural and common to use the verb arrefecer to express the same idea. Additionally, the nouns used in conjunction with this action often differ (e.g., the Brazilian "geladeira" vs. the Portuguese "frigorífico").

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. A cerveja resfria rápido na geladeira. (The beer cools fast in the fridge.)
  2. O clima resfria muito à noite. (The weather cools down a lot at night.)
  3. Essa sopa não resfria direito. (This soup doesn't cool down properly.)
  4. O motor resfria após a viagem. (The engine cools down after the trip.)
  5. A temperatura resfria conforme subimos a montanha. (The temperature cools down as we climb the mountain.)

Portuguese (Continental) Examples

  1. A cerveja arrefece rápido no frigorífico. (The beer cools fast in the fridge.)
  2. O tempo arrefece muito à noite. (The weather cools down a lot at night.)
  3. Esta sopa não arrefece bem. (This soup doesn't cool down well.)
  4. O motor arrefece após a viagem. (The engine cools down after the trip.)
  5. A temperatura arrefece conforme subimos a montanha. (The temperature cools down as we climb the mountain.)