Brazil and Brasil are two spellings for the same South American country, but the correct choice depends on the language. Use Brazil in English and Brasil in Portuguese. Spanish also uses Brasil.
The difference is linguistic, not geographical or political, and both names refer to the same country.
Quick Answer:
- Brazil = English spelling
- Brasil = Portuguese spelling
- Brasil = also used in Spanish
- República Federativa do Brasil = official Portuguese name
- Federative Republic of Brazil = official English form
Brazil’s official language is Portuguese, which explains why Brasil is the country’s native-language name.
Brazil vs. Brasil
| Spelling | Language | Example |
| Brazil | English | Brazil is in South America. |
| Brasil | Portuguese | O Brasil é enorme. |
| Brasil | Spanish | Brasil está en Sudamérica. |
The United Nations uses Brazil in English and Brasil in Portuguese and Spanish.
When Should You Use Brazil?
Use Brazil when writing in English. It is the standard English country name used in English-language writing, including news, education, maps, and international organizations.
For example:
Brazil is the largest country in South America.
You should also use Brazilian for the English adjective and demonym.
When Should You Use Brasil?
Use Brasil when writing in Portuguese. It is the Portuguese short name of the country and appears in Brazilian government, legal, media, and everyday Portuguese-language contexts.
For example:
O Brasil é um país diverso.
The country’s formal Portuguese name is República Federativa do Brasil.
Why Is It Called Brazil?
The name is traditionally connected with pau-brasil, a valuable red-dye wood found in the region during the early colonial period. The Portuguese name Brasil became associated with the territory, while English developed the spelling Brazil.
The two spellings therefore have the same historical root but evolved according to different language conventions.
Why Do You Sometimes See Brasil in International Contexts?
Seeing Brasil does not mean that Brazil is incorrect. Native-language names are often retained in branding, cultural materials, sports, signs, and official Brazilian contexts, even when an international audience is present.
This is similar to seeing Deutschland for Germany or España for Spain: languages can use different names for the same country.
Common Mistake
A frequent mistake is treating Brasil as a misspelling of Brazil. It is not. Brasil is correct in Portuguese and Spanish; Brazil is correct in English.
Another mistake is assuming the country has two official English names. It does not. In English, the standard country name is Brazil.
FAQs
Is Brazil or Brasil correct?
Both are correct, but in different languages. Use Brazil in English and Brasil in Portuguese or Spanish.
Is Brasil the official name of Brazil?
Brasil is the Portuguese short name. The formal Portuguese name is República Federativa do Brasil.
Why does Brazil use an S instead of a Z?
Portuguese spelling uses Brasil, while English uses the established spelling Brazil.
Do Brazilians say Brazil or Brasil?
In Portuguese, Brazilians say Brasil. Brazil is the English form.
Conclusion
Brazil and Brasil are not competing spellings; they are language-specific forms of the same country name. For English writing, choose Brazil.
For Portuguese or Spanish, choose Brasil. Once you identify the language of your writing, the correct form is straightforward.
Related Articles
- Beg Borrow or Steal: Meaning, Usage & Examples
- Too Much to Bear or Bare: Which Is Correct?
- Glass Half Full or Half Empty? Meaning & Difference
Mignon Fogarty is an experienced English grammar and writing expert specializing in grammar, word usage, and clear American English. At EduNexxt, her focus is making grammar simple, accurate, and practical.
Bryan Garne
William Strunk