Barbante vs. cordel vs. fio vs. fio do norte
While "barbante", "cordel", "fio", and "fio do norte" all refer to types of string, cord, or twine, their usage depends heavily on the material and the region. In Brazil, "barbante" is the default word for cotton twine, while in Portugal, "cordel" is more commonly used for general string. "Fio" is a broad term for any thread or wire, and "fio do norte" is a specific variety of strong, waxed thread found in Portugal.
Barbante
B1This is the most common term in Brazil for rough cotton string or twine. It is widely used for crafts (like crochet), cooking, and tying packages. In Portugal, the word exists but is used less frequently than in Brazil for general purposes.
Preciso de um rolo de barbante para amarrar esta caixa de papelão.
(I need a roll of twine to tie up this cardboard box.)
Minha avó faz tapetes bonitos usando barbante cru.
(My grandmother makes beautiful rugs using raw cotton string.)
Use o barbante para fechar a carne antes de colocar no forno.
(Use the kitchen twine to close the meat before putting it in the oven.)
Cordel
B2In Portugal, this is the standard word for string or twine used to tie things. In Brazil, however, this word is almost exclusively associated with "Literatura de Cordel", a type of folk poetry traditionally sold in booklets hanging from a string.
O funcionário dos correios em Lisboa usou um cordel para fechar o pacote.
(The post office employee in Lisbon used a string to close the package.)
No nordeste do Brasil, compramos folhetos de poesia pendurados num cordel.
(In northeastern Brazil, we buy poetry leaflets hanging on a string.)
Este cordel é demasiado fino para segurar esse peso.
(This twine is too thin to hold that weight.)
Fio
A2This is a generic term meaning thread, wire, or strand. It can refer to anything from sewing thread to electrical wire. To mean twine, it is usually accompanied by a material description, such as fio de nylon or fio de malha.
Não consigo cortar este fio de nylon com a tesoura.
(I cannot cut this nylon line with the scissors.)
O eletricista precisa trocar o fio que queimou.
(The electrician needs to change the wire that burned out.)
Ela passou um fio de azeite sobre a salada.
(She poured a drizzle of olive oil over the salad.)
Fio do norte
C2This is a specific term used primarily in Portugal. It refers to a very strong, often waxed linen or hemp thread used historically by shoemakers, saddlers, and for heavy-duty sewing. It is rarely heard in Brazil.
O sapateiro usou fio do norte para consertar a sola da bota.
(The cobbler used waxed linen thread to repair the boot sole.)
Para costurar couro grosso, é melhor usar fio do norte.
(To sew thick leather, it is better to use strong waxed twine.)
Antigamente comprava-se fio do norte nas retrosarias tradicionais.
(In the past, one would buy sailmaker's twine in traditional haberdasheries.)
Summary
To summarize, use "barbante" for cotton twine in Brazil and "cordel" for general string in Portugal. "Fio" is a universal generic term for any thread or wire that requires context (like distinct materials). Finally, "fio do norte" is a niche Portuguese term for heavy-duty waxed thread used in manual trades.