Arco-e-flecha vs. tiro com arco
While both terms relate to the act of shooting arrows, the main difference lies in formality and intent. Arco-e-flecha typically refers to the physical equipment or casual play, whereas tiro com arco is the technical term for the sport.
Arco-e-flecha
B1This term literally translates to bow and arrow and refers to the physical object used as a weapon, tool, or toy. It is also used to describe the activity in casual, historical, or tribal contexts rather than organized sports contexts.
O menino ganhou um arco-e-flecha de plástico no Natal.
(The boy got a plastic bow and arrow for Christmas.)
Antigamente, as tribos usavam arco-e-flecha para a caça.
(In the past, tribes used bow and arrow for hunting.)
Nas pinturas, o Cupido está sempre segurando um arco-e-flecha.
(In paintings, Cupid is always holding a bow and arrow.)
Nós brincávamos de arco-e-flecha na floresta quando éramos crianças.
(We used to play with bows and arrows in the forest when we were kids.)
Você precisa comprar um arco-e-flecha novo se o seu quebrou.
(You need to buy a new bow and arrow if yours broke.)
Tiro com arco
B2This is the formal name for archery as a competitive sport or athletic discipline. You should use this term when discussing Olympic events, professional training, clubs, or federations.
O atleta está treinando muito para a competição de tiro com arco.
(The athlete is training hard for the archery competition.)
Eu comecei a fazer aulas de tiro com arco no clube local.
(I started taking archery lessons at the local club.)
A Coreia do Sul é famosa por sua excelência no tiro com arco.
(South Korea is famous for its excellence in archery.)
Tiro com arco nas Olimpíadas exige muita concentração.
(Archery in the Olympics requires a lot of concentration.)
Existem regras de segurança rígidas no campo de tiro com arco.
(There are strict safety rules on the archery range.)
Summary
In short, if you are talking about the sport, the Olympics, or professional training, you must use tiro com arco. If you are referring to the object itself, a toy, or a primitive hunting tool, you should use arco-e-flecha.