BR vs PT · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

← Back to searchWord Index →

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

No.

While the literal, dictionary definition of "turcos" (Turkish people) is the same in both varieties, there is a significant difference in typical usage. In Brazil, "turco" is a common, colloquial (and often socio-culturally imprecise) way to refer to people of Arab or Middle Eastern descent (such as Syrians or Lebanese), a linguistic legacy of the era when much of the region was under the Ottoman Empire. In Portugal, the word is used strictly and accurately to refer to citizens of Turkey; referring to people of Arab descent as "turcos" would be considered incorrect or confusing.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. "Aquele restaurante serve comida de turcos." (That restaurant serves Middle Eastern food.)
  2. "Os donos da loja são turcos." (The shop owners are [Arab] men.)
  3. "Ele é descendente de turcos." (He is of [Arab] descent.)
  4. "Muitos imigrantes que chegaram aqui são turcos." (Many immigrants who arrived here are [Arab].)
  5. "Gosto de comprar produtos de turcos." (I like to buy [Arab] products.)

Portuguese Examples

  1. "Aquele restaurante serve comida árabe." (That restaurant serves Arabic food.)
  2. "Os donos da loja são árabes." (The shop owners are Arab.)
  3. "Ele é descendente de sírios." (He is of Syrian descent.)
  4. "Muitos imigrantes que chegaram aqui são árabes." (Many immigrants who arrived here are Arab.)
  5. "Gosto de comprar produtos árabes." (I like to buy Arabic products.)