porta vs portão
Portuguese word comparison
Listen to porta
Listen to portão
| porta | portão |
|---|---|
/POR-tah/ noun | /por-TÃW/ noun |
| door | gate; a large door, usually for an entrance, yard, or vehicle access |
How they differ
Portão is not a neutral synonym for porta: it usually refers to a larger opening, often outdoors, such as the gate of a house, farm, or building entrance. Porta is the general word for any door, especially an interior or standard door.
When to use each
When to use porta: Use porta for a regular door in a house, room, car, or building.
When to use portão: Use portão when you mean a gate or a large outdoor entrance that may open onto a street, yard, or driveway.
Side-by-side examples
- A porta do quarto estava aberta.
(The bedroom door was open.) - O portão da casa estava fechado.
(The gate of the house was closed.)
Register & nuance: Portão is standard everyday usage and can sound more specific than porta because it points to a larger or exterior entrance.