vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

The spelling and literal meaning of "semáforos" are identical in both dialects. However, there is a difference in typical usage regarding synonyms. In Brazil, it is very common to refer to a traffic light as a "farol." In Portugal, "farol" refers strictly to a vehicle's headlight, so using it to describe a traffic light would be incorrect. Brazilians also frequently use the word "sinal" as a simpler substitute for "semáforo."

Brazilian Portuguese

1. O semáforo está com defeito. (The traffic light is malfunctioning.)
2. Espere o sinal abrir. (Wait for the signal to open.)
3. O farol demorou muito para mudar. (The traffic light took a long time to change.)
4. Tem um semáforo bem ali na esquina. (There is a traffic light right there on the corner.)
5. O sinal está vermelho. (The signal is red.)

European Portuguese

1. O semáforo está avariado. (The traffic light is broken.)
2. É preciso respeitar os sinais de trânsito. (It is necessary to respect the traffic lights.)
3. O sinal mudou para amarelo. (The signal changed to yellow.)
4. Parámos no semáforo. (We stopped at the traffic light.)
5. Os sinais desta rua não funcionam. (The signals on this street are not working.)