Catorze vs. quatorze
The Portuguese words catorze and quatorze both represent the cardinal number 14. They are perfect synonyms, meaning there is no difference in definition. The distinction lies strictly in spelling conventions and regional usage between European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese.
Catorze
A1This is the word for the number 14. It is the standard and exclusive spelling in European Portuguese (Portugal) and is also widely used and accepted in Brazilian Portuguese. It reflects the pronunciation where the word starts with a simple /k/ sound.
O meu irmão tem catorze anos de idade.
(My brother is fourteen years old.)
A reunião está marcada para as catorze horas.
(The meeting is scheduled for 14:00 (fourteen hours).)
Por favor, abra o livro na página catorze.
(Please open the book to page fourteen.)
Há catorze jogadores na equipa.
(There are fourteen players on the team.)
Ela comprou catorze maçãs no mercado.
(She bought fourteen apples at the market.)
Eu moro no apartamento catorze.
(I live in apartment fourteen.)
Quatorze
A1This is a variant spelling for the number 14. It is used exclusively in Brazilian Portuguese and is closer to the Latin root quattuordecim. In this version, the qu is often pronounced as a /kw/ sound, though many speakers still pronounce it like catorze.
Nós viajamos no dia quatorze de abril.
(We traveled on the fourteenth of April.)
O resultado foi quatorze votos a favor.
(The result was fourteen votes in favor.)
Preciso de quatorze reais para o almoço.
(I need fourteen reais for lunch.)
A temperatura caiu para quatorze graus.
(The temperature dropped to fourteen degrees.)
Existem quatorze motivos para aceitar a oferta.
(There are fourteen reasons to accept the offer.)
O capítulo quatorze é o mais difícil.
(Chapter fourteen is the most difficult.)
Summary
In summary, catorze and quatorze are interchangeable in meaning, both signifying 14. However, catorze is the universal option: it is mandatory in Portugal and correct in Brazil. Quatorze is only acceptable in Brazil. If you wish to use the word that works in all Portuguese-speaking countries, choose catorze.