Many people search for “Brasil or Brazil” because they see both spellings used online, in maps, sports news, travel blogs, and official documents.
One spelling appears on football jerseys and passports, while the other is common in English books and media. This creates real confusion: Are these two different countries, or just different spellings of the same name?
The short answer is that Brasil and Brazil refer to the same country, but they come from different languages and traditions.
If you are writing an email, a blog post, a news article, or academic content, choosing the correct spelling matters. Using the wrong one can look unprofessional or unclear, especially for an international audience.
This article solves that confusion step by step. You will learn which spelling is correct in English, why two versions exist, how British and American English handle it, and which one you should use based on your audience.
By the end, you’ll know exactly when to write Brasil and when to write Brazil—with confidence.
Brasil or Brazil – Quick Answer
Brazil is the correct spelling in English.
Brasil is the correct spelling in Portuguese, the official language of the country.
Examples:
- ✅ Brazil won the World Cup five times. (English)
- ✅ O Brasil é famoso pelo futebol. (Portuguese)
- ❌ Brasil is the largest country in South America. (Incorrect in English)
The Origin of Brasil or Brazil
The name comes from “pau-brasil,” a type of redwood tree found by Portuguese explorers in the 1500s. The word brasil comes from “brasa,” meaning ember or red, referring to the tree’s color.
- Portugal named the land “Brasil” in Portuguese.
- When English speakers adopted the name, it changed to Brazil.
- The letter “z” fit English spelling patterns better than “s.”
That is why both spellings exist today, even though they describe the same country.
British English vs American English Spelling
Unlike many spelling debates, British and American English agree here.
Both use Brazil, not Brasil.
| Language / Region | Correct Spelling |
| American English | Brazil |
| British English | Brazil |
| Australian / Canadian | Brazil |
| Portuguese (Brazil) | Brasil |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Use the spelling based on your audience and language:
- US audience → Brazil
- UK / Commonwealth → Brazil
- International English → Brazil
- Portuguese content → Brasil
- Official Brazilian documents → Brasil
👉 If you are writing in English, always choose Brazil.
Common Mistakes with Brasil or Brazil
Here are frequent errors people make:
- ❌ Using Brasil in English articles
✔ Correct: Brazil is in South America. - ❌ Mixing both spellings in one article
✔ Stick to one spelling, based on language. - ❌ Assuming Brasil is more “official”
✔ In English, Brazil is the official form.
Brasil or Brazil in Everyday Examples
Emails
- I will travel to Brazil next month.
News
- Brazil’s economy showed strong growth this year.
Social Media
- Love the beaches in Brazil 🇧🇷
Formal Writing
- Brazil is the fifth-largest country in the world by area.
Brasil or Brazil – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search trends show clear patterns:
- Brazil is searched more in English-speaking countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
- Brasil is dominant in Brazil and Portugal.
- Travel, sports, and news content in English almost always use Brazil.
This confirms that language context, not location alone, decides the spelling.
Comparison Table: Brasil vs Brazil
| Feature | Brasil | Brazil |
| Language | Portuguese | English |
| Official local name | Yes | No |
| Used in English | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Seen on jerseys | Yes | Rare |
| SEO (English) | Low | High |
FAQs
1. Are Brasil and Brazil the same country?
Yes, they are the same country.
2. Why do football shirts say “Brasil”?
Because Portuguese is the national language.
3. Is Brasil wrong in English?
Yes, it is incorrect in standard English writing.
4. Do British and American English differ here?
No, both use Brazil.
5. Which spelling is better for SEO in English?
Brazil performs much better.
6. Can I use Brasil in academic writing?
Only if writing in Portuguese or quoting official names.
7. What spelling does the UN use in English?
Brazil.
Conclusion
The confusion between Brasil or Brazil is common, but the rule is simple once you understand it.
Both spellings are correct—but only in the right language. Brasil is the Portuguese name used inside the country and in official local contexts. Brazil is the accepted and correct spelling in English, including American, British, and global English.
If you are writing blogs, news articles, emails, academic papers, or SEO content in English, you should always use Brazil. This keeps your writing clear, professional, and correct for your audience. Mixing the two spellings or using Brasil in English can confuse readers and reduce credibility.
In short: Language decides spelling. Portuguese equals Brasil. English equals Brazil. Remember this rule, and you will never make this mistake again.
Mignon Fogarty is a grammar-focused writer and language educator at Grammiffy, where she simplifies English rules for modern, digital learners.
With a clear and engaging style, she helps readers understand grammar, usage, and common mistakes through quick, easy-to-follow explanations.
