vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the core meaning of the verb usar (to use) is the same in both dialects, there are significant differences in grammar and typical usage.

• Grammar (The Continuous Aspect): This is the most prominent difference. In Brazil, the continuous present is formed using the gerund (verb + -ando, -endo, or -indo). In Portugal, the continuous present is formed using the preposition a + the infinitive.
• Usage (Clothing): In Brazil, usar is the standard, everyday word for "to wear" clothing. In Portugal, while usar is understood, people much more frequently use the verb vestir (to dress/wear) or levar (to wear/carry) when referring to clothes or accessories.
• Vocabulary Context: When using the verb, the objects being "used" often have different names (e.g., celular in Brazil vs. telemóvel in Portugal), which changes the sentence structure.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu estou usando um casaco. (I am wearing a coat.)
2. Você pode usar meu celular? (Can you use my cell phone?)
3. Nós estamos usando o novo aplicativo. (We are using the new app.)
4. Ela está usando um vestido lindo. (She is wearing a beautiful dress.)
5. Eles usam muito açúcar no café. (They use a lot of sugar in the coffee.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Eu estou a usar um casaco. (I am wearing a coat.)
2. Podes usar o meu telemóvel? (Can you use my mobile phone?)
3. Estamos a usar a nova aplicação. (We are using the new app.)
4. Ela está a vestir um vestido lindo. (She is wearing a beautiful dress.)
5. Eles usam muito açúcar no café. (They use a lot of sugar in the coffee.)