vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

Is the word salva-vidas the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No. While the word "salva-vidas" refers to the same person (a lifeguard) in both dialects, there is a difference in typical usage regarding equipment. In Brazil, "salva-vidas" is commonly used as a modifier in compound nouns, such as colete salva-vidas (life jacket). In Portugal, it is more typical to use the term colete de salvamento for the equipment. Additionally, the grammatical construction for ongoing actions (gerund in Brazil vs. "a" + infinitive in Portugal) differs.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. O salva-vidas está avisando os banhistas. (The lifeguard is warning the bathers.)
2. Não esqueça de usar o colete salva-vidas. (Don't forget to use the life jacket.)
3. O salva-vidas está de plantão hoje. (The lifeguard is on duty today.)
4. Nós chamamos o salva-vidas rapidamente. (We called the lifeguard quickly.)
5. O salva-vidas é muito atento durante o verão. (The lifeguard is very attentive during the summer.)

European Portuguese Examples

1. O salva-vidas está a avisar os banhistas. (The lifeguard is warning the bathers.)
2. Não te esqueças de usar o colete de salvamento. (Don't forget to use the life jacket.)
3. O salva-vidas está de serviço hoje. (The lifeguard is on duty today.)
4. Nós chamámos o salva-vidas rapidamente. (We called the lifeguard quickly.)
5. O salva-vidas é muito atento durante o verão. (The lifeguard is very attentive during the summer.)