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Curiosities from Portuguese to Portuguese: When the Word Changes the Turns!

Writer's picture: Patrícia RosasPatrícia Rosas

Oh, Portugal! The dream destination for those who want to explore the old continent, discover breathtaking landscapes and, of course, savour delicious dishes. But if you are Brazilian, know that this trip can be a real linguistic adventure - even speaking the same language, words can play some good tricks and make you laugh (or laugh, as people from Portugal would say).



Portuguese Curiosities: The Words that Cause Confusion Between Brazil and Portugal


Here are some Portuguese curiosities that, for sure, will make you look twice before asking for something. Get ready for a trip full of linguistic surprises!



Cueca
Underpants

1. Underpants

In Brazil, underwear is the famous male underwear. No big dead, right? But in Portugal, underwear is... feminine! That's right, it's that delicate lingerie that we wear under the clothes. So, when you order a "new underwear" in a store in Portugal, it may be that the saleswoman looks with a kind of curious smile. Just to warn you: if you're going to buy men's underwear, use the term "boxer"!







Camisola
Sweater

2. Sweater

Oh, the comfort of a good sweater! In Brazil, we use it to refer to that sleeping piece, a blouse or comfortable dress for the bed. But in Portugal, a sweater is a sweater or a cold blouse! So, when you're there, if you get that cold, ask for a nightgown, and you'll get a warm look, but probably not the sleeping one.😉







Autocarro
Bus

3. Bus

Brazilians love to take the bus, but in Portugal, the bus is called a bus. Now, imagine the confusion when someone in Portugal asks you: "Have you already taken the bus?" ... Don't worry, they're not asking you for a ride! They just want to know if you've already taken public transportation.








Prego no Pão
Nail in the Bread

4. Nail in the Bread

In Portugal, the nail in the bread is not the nightmare of those who are assembling furniture. Actually, it's a delicious steak sandwich served on bread! So, the next time you hear someone asking for a nail in the bread, you can rest assured, it's not a tool at all, but a delicious meal.








Bicha
Bicha

5. Bicha

Here, the thing can get funny. In Brazil, faggot has a very different meaning than in Portugal. In Portuguese lands, faggot is just a queue! That's right, it's just a way of saying that there are people waiting for something, like a queue at the bank or at the pharmacy. Now, just imagine the face of someone who gets there and comes across a "huge faggot" and thinks he's in the middle of a mess... Better to ask properly before getting in line, isn't it?







Casa de Banho
Bathroom

6. Bathroom

And the famous bathroom? Here in Brazil, we even go "in the bathroom", but in Portugal, the place to do number 1 or 2 is the "bathroom". And yes, the bathroom is where you will take that invigorating bath, besides being the complete place, with shower and everything. If you refer to it as a bathroom, it may even be understood, but why not surrender to the elegance of the Portuguese term?








Fato

7. Fato

If in Brazil, the "fact" is that event that we describe as something important (or unusual), in Portugal, the fact is the famous suit that men wear in formal events. So, if you're at a party and someone asks you if you're going to take "a suit", don't think it will be a rare and strange event, but that it's a proposal to wear a suit.







These Portuguese curiosities are just a few examples of how Portuguese from Portugal can be a true maze of surprises. Each word has a story, a meaning and a unique way of being used. Therefore, it is always good to prepare for the differences and, of course, for the good laughs that these little confusions provide.


Now, we want to know from you: have you ever had any funny confusion between the Portuguese of Brazil and Portugal? Tell us in the comments! Maybe your story becomes part of this linguistic adventure!😄




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Patrícia Rosas, criadora do site Dicas de Lisboa

About the author

Patrícia Rosas, Brazilian, Married, Mother of Isabella, Administrator by profession and dreamer by passion. Between comings and goings to Portugal, we plan our move and investment options in Portugal.

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