Avaliação vs. resenha vs. opinião
When discussing customer feedback in Portuguese, the choice of word depends on the depth of the feedback and the regional dialect. While avaliação is the standard term for a rating or score in both Brazil and Portugal, opinião focuses on personal sentiment. The word resenha has a specific usage in Brazil for detailed product or service reviews, whereas in Portugal, it is reserved for literary or artistic critiques.
Avaliação
B1This is the most common and technical term for a review or rating on digital platforms (like Booking, Google Maps, or Amazon) in both Brazil and Portugal. Avaliação implies an assessment that often includes a numerical score (like stars) and a written comment.
A avaliação média deste hotel é de 4.5 estrelas.
(The average rating of this hotel is 4.5 stars.)
O cliente deixou uma avaliação negativa sobre o atendimento.
(The customer left a negative review about the service.)
Precisamos melhorar nossa avaliação no site de viagens.
(We need to improve our rating on the travel website.)
O aplicativo pede uma avaliação logo após a entrega do pedido.
(The app asks for a review right after the order delivery.)
Resenha
B2In Brazil, resenha is widely used for detailed, descriptive reviews of products (like cosmetics or electronics) often found on blogs or YouTube. In Portugal, resenha is rarely used for general consumer goods; it is strictly used for formal critiques of books or academic works. In Portugal, a detailed product review would simply be called an análise or crítica.
Assisti a uma resenha completa desse celular no YouTube.
(I watched a complete review of this phone on YouTube.)
A blogueira fez uma resenha sobre o novo creme hidratante.
(The blogger did a review on the new moisturizing cream.)
O jornal publicou uma resenha sobre o último romance do autor.
(The newspaper published a review of the author's latest novel.)
Gosto de ler a resenha antes de decidir comprar o jogo.
(I like to read the review before deciding to buy the game.)
Opinião
A2This word translates directly to opinion. In the context of reviews, it is used interchangeably with comments or feedback. It emphasizes the subjective, personal feeling of the customer rather than a technical score. Websites often use the phrase Dê a sua opinião (Give your opinion) to invite users to write a review.
Sua opinião é muito importante para a nossa empresa.
(Your opinion is very important to our company.)
Muitas pessoas compartilharam sua opinião sobre a limpeza do quarto.
(Many people shared their opinion regarding the cleanliness of the room.)
Quero ouvir a opinião de quem já usou este serviço.
(I want to hear the opinion of those who have already used this service.)
O site tem uma seção específica para a opinião dos consumidores.
(The website has a specific section for consumer opinions.)
Summary
To summarize, use avaliação when referring to the standard star-rating and feedback system on apps and websites in both countries. Use opinião when discussing the subjective thoughts or feelings of a customer. Use resenha primarily in Brazil when referring to a long-form, detailed review of a product (article or video); in Portugal, avoid resenha for customer services and save it for literary or academic critiques.