What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
favela
Example
The favelas of Rio de Janeiro are known for their vibrant culture and music. [favelas: plural noun]
Example
Many families in the favela struggle to make ends meet due to lack of job opportunities. [favela: singular noun]
ghetto
Example
During World War II, Jews were forced to live in ghettos in Nazi-occupied Europe. [ghettos: plural noun]
Example
Many African American communities in the US still face the effects of redlining and ghettoization. [ghetto: singular noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ghetto is more commonly used in English than favela, as it has been used to describe similar areas in various countries. However, favela is still an important term in Brazilian Portuguese and is recognized internationally due to its association with Brazilian culture.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between favela and ghetto?
Both favela and ghetto are informal terms and may be considered offensive or insensitive in certain contexts. It is important to use these terms with care and sensitivity, and to be aware of the historical and cultural contexts in which they are used.
