Barraca vs. tenda
While both tenda and barraca describe temporary structures, their specific usage for a camping tent depends entirely on the region. In Brazil, campers almost always use barraca, whereas in Portugal, the standard term is tenda.
Barraca
A2In Brazilian Portuguese, barraca is the standard word for a camping tent used for sleeping. In both Brazil and Portugal, it also refers to a stall or stand at a market or fair. In Portugal, referring to a camping tent as a barraca is less common and can sometimes imply a shack or a shed.
Nós compramos uma barraca nova para acampar na praia.
(We bought a new tent to camp on the beach.)
Vou montar a barraca antes que comece a chover.
(I am going to set up the tent before it starts raining.)
A senhora vende vegetais frescos na sua barraca.
(The lady sells fresh vegetables at her stall.)
As crianças fizeram uma barraca com lençóis na sala.
(The children made a fort with sheets in the living room.)
Tenda
A2In European Portuguese (Portugal), tenda is the correct and common term for a camping tent. In Brazilian Portuguese, a tenda usually refers to a large open canopy, marquee, or gazebo used for parties, events, or shade, rather than an enclosed structure for sleeping.
Dormir numa tenda é uma grande aventura.
(Sleeping in a tent is a great adventure.)
Os escuteiros aprenderam a montar a tenda rapidamente.
(The boy scouts learned how to set up the tent quickly.)
O evento ao ar livre foi protegido por uma grande tenda branca.
(The outdoor event was protected by a large white canopy.)
O circo chegou à cidade e levantou a sua tenda principal.
(The circus arrived in town and raised its main tent.)
Summary
To choose the right word for a camping tent, use barraca if you are in Brazil and tenda if you are in Portugal. Keep in mind that in Brazil, tenda usually implies a large event canopy, while barraca can mean a market stall in both countries.