BR vs PT · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

No

While the dictionary definitions are very similar, there is a difference in typical usage. In Brazilian Portuguese, "temperos" is an all-encompassing, "catch-all" term used to refer to any ingredient added to food to enhance flavor, including salt, garlic, herbs, and dried spices. In Continental Portuguese, the word is used more specifically to refer to the act of seasoning or a prepared mixture of ingredients. When referring to individual dried items like cinnamon, cumin, or pepper, a Portuguese person is much more likely to use the words especiarias (spices) or condimentos (condiments).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. Adoro usar muitos temperos na comida. (I love using many seasonings in food.)
  2. O segredo desse arroz são os temperos naturais. (The secret to this rice is the natural seasonings.)
  3. Vou comprar alguns temperos no supermercado. (I am going to buy some seasonings at the supermarket.)
  4. Esse tempero é muito forte. (This seasoning is very strong.)
  5. Os temperos brasileiros são marcantes. (Brazilian seasonings are striking.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. Adoro usar várias especiarias na comida. (I love using various spices in food.)
  2. O segredo deste arroz é o bom tempero. (The secret to this rice is the good seasoning.)
  3. Vou comprar algumas especiarias no supermercado. (I am going to buy some spices at the supermarket.)
  4. Este condimento é muito forte. (This condiment is very strong.)
  5. As especiarias portuguesas são marcantes. (Portuguese spices are striking.)