vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the fundamental definitions of "vaga" (a vacancy or a wave) are identical in both dialects, there is a difference in typical usage. In Brazilian Portuguese, "vaga" is the standard, go-to word for a parking space (e.g., vaga de estacionamento). In Continental Portuguese, while "vaga" is understood, the word "lugar" is much more natural and frequently used when referring to a parking space (e.g., lugar de estacionamento).

Brazilian Portuguese

1. "Não consegui encontrar uma vaga no shopping." (I couldn't find a parking spot at the mall.)
2. "A empresa abriu uma vaga para engenheiro." (The company opened a vacancy for an engineer.)
3. "Minha vaga na escola foi cancelada." (My spot at the school was canceled.)
4. "Cuidado com essa vaga forte no mar!" (Watch out for that strong swell in the sea!)
5. "Tem uma vaga livre na garagem?" (Is there a free spot in the garage?)

Continental Portuguese

1. "Não consegui encontrar um lugar no parque de estacionamento." (I couldn't find a place in the parking lot.)
2. "A empresa abriu uma vaga para engenheiro." (The company opened a vacancy for an engineer.)
3. "A minha matrícula na escola foi cancelada." (My enrollment at the school was canceled.)
4. "Cuidado com essa vaga forte no mar!" (Watch out for that strong swell in the sea!)
5. "Há um lugar livre na garagem?" (Is there a free space in the garage?)