Brazil or Brasil: What is the difference and which is the right name?
- Rachel
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 4
The names "Brazil" and "Brasil" refer to the same country in South America. The difference lies in the language and orthography used to refer to the country in different contexts.
"Brazil" is the English-language spelling of the country's name. It is used in English-speaking countries and in English-language texts such as books, news articles, government documents and maps published in English. The name is pronounced with a voiced "z" sound.
"Brasil" is the Portuguese-language spelling. Portuguese is the official language of the country, and this spelling is used within Brazil in all official capacities. This includes the government, legal documents, signage and media. In Portuguese, the name is pronounced with an unvoiced "s" sound similar to the English "s" in "see".
The spelling "Brasil" is not only used in Brazil but also in other Portuguese-speaking countries, such as Portugal, Angola, and Mozambique. Countries that speak Spanish use the Spanish spelling "Brasil" as well, because the Spanish language does not use "z" in the same way as English.
This distinction between local and foreign spelling is not unique to Brazil. Similar examples include "Germany" in English and "Deutschland" in German, or "Japan" in English and "Nihon" or "Nippon" in Japanese. These differences are common due to the translation and adaptation of place names across languages.
Although English is widely used in international events, Brazil often chooses to use the Portuguese spelling "Brasil" even in global arenas. For example, during the FIFA World Cup hosted in Brazil in 2014, the branding and signage consistently used "Brasil", regardless of the language of the surrounding text. This reflects a national preference for maintaining the native spelling in formal and promotional contexts.
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What is the official name of Brazil?
The official name of the country is "República Federativa do Brasil" in Portuguese. In English, this is translated as the "Federative Republic of Brazil". This name is used in official government contexts, international agreements and legal documents.
What is Brazil named after?
The origin of the name comes from the Portuguese word pau-brasil, which refers to a type of red dyewood that was heavily exploited by Portuguese colonists during the early years of European presence in South America. This tree, known in English as brazilwood, was highly valuable in the 16th century for its dye, which was used in the textile industry.
The term pau-brasil combines "pau", meaning "wood", and "brasil", which may be derived from the Portuguese word brasa, meaning "ember", referencing the wood’s reddish colour.
Over time, the country became associated with this export product, and the name "Brasil" came into use among Portuguese speakers to refer to the region. English speakers adapted the term to "Brazil" with the "z" conforming to English phonological conventions.
What does the meme "Brazil com z" mean?
A popular meme currently circulating on TikTok and Instagram "Brasil com S" and "Brasil com Z" plays on the linguistic difference between the Portuguese and English spellings to highlight contrasting perceptions of the country. "Brasil with an S" is used to represent the lived experiences of locals, often depicting social, political or economic challenges, while "Brazil with a Z" refers to how foreigners imagine the country, showing idealised images such of beaches, Christ the Redeemer, carnival or football. These memes contrast internal reality with external perception, highlighting the gap between international expectations and real local life.
In summary, "Brazil" and "Brasil" are linguistically distinct spellings of the same country name. The former is used in English, the latter in Portuguese. The difference reflects language rather than political or geographical variation. Despite this, Brazilians display a strong preference towards using the local spelling "Brasil", including in international forums.
More resources for planning your trip to Brazil
Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. Or, rent a car and give yourself the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Find your perfect accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels
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Forgetting something? Read my packing check-list for Brazil, and my list of 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil