Abobrinha vs. curgete
The words abobrinha and curgete refer to the exact same vegetable, known in English as zucchini or courgette. The difference is strictly regional: abobrinha is the term used in Brazilian Portuguese, while curgete is the standard term in European Portuguese (Portugal).
Abobrinha
A2This word is used in Brazil to define the vegetable. It represents a diminutive form of abóbora (pumpkin or squash), literally translating to little squash.
Minha mãe faz uma abobrinha recheada incrível.
(My mother makes an incredible stuffed zucchini.)
O preço da abobrinha subiu no mercado esta semana.
(The price of zucchini went up at the market this week.)
Você prefere a abobrinha refogada ou assada?
(Do you prefer the zucchini sautéed or roasted?)
Eu usei abobrinha ralada para fazer o bolo mais úmido.
(I used grated zucchini to make the cake moister.)
Curgete
A2This word is used in Portugal. It is derived directly from the French word for the vegetable.
A sopa de curgete é muito popular no inverno.
(Courgette soup is very popular in the winter.)
Corte a curgete em rodelas finas antes de colocar na grelha.
(Cut the courgette into thin slices before putting it on the grill.)
Precisamos comprar mais curgete para o jantar.
(We need to buy more courgette for dinner.)
Esta receita leva beringela e curgete.
(This recipe takes aubergine and courgette.)
Summary
To sound natural, use abobrinha when speaking with Brazilians and curgete when speaking with Portuguese people. Despite the different names, the vegetable is exactly the same.