vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the word is used identically in both dialects to refer to an administrative professional (an office worker), there are significant differences in usage regarding political titles and furniture:

• Political Titles: In Brazil, "Secretário" is the standard title for the heads of municipal and state-level departments (e.g., Secretário de Saúde). In Portugal, the equivalent local government officials are referred to as Vereadores. In Portugal, the term "Secretário" is primarily reserved for high-ranking national officials (Secretário de Estado) or the professional office worker.
• Furniture: In Brazil, "secretária" is a common term for a small writing desk. In Portugal, this usage is not standard; a Portuguese person would typically use the word escrivaninha.

Brazilian Portuguese

1. O secretário de saúde visitou o hospital. (The health secretary visited the hospital.)
2. A secretária da escola é muito organizada. (The school secretary is very organized.)
3. Vou marcar uma reunião com o secretário. (I'm going to schedule a meeting with the secretary.)
4. Preciso de uma secretária nova para o meu quarto. (I need a new small desk for my bedroom.)
5. Ele trabalha como secretário jurídico. (He works as a legal secretary.)

European Portuguese

1. O vereador visitou o hospital. (The councilman visited the hospital.)
2. A secretária da escola é muito organizada. (The school secretary is very organized.)
3. Vou marcar uma reunião com o secretário. (I'm going to schedule a meeting with the secretary.)
4. Preciso de uma escrivaninha nova para o meu quarto. (I need a new desk for my bedroom.)
5. Ele trabalha como secretário jurídico. (He works as a legal secretary.)