Oficina vs. atelier vs. ateliê
The words "oficina", "atelier", and "ateliê" all generally mean "workshop," but their usage depends on the nature of the work (mechanical/manual vs. artistic/creative) and regional spelling preferences between Brazil and Portugal.
Oficina
A2Used in both Brazil and Portugal, this word refers to a workspace for manual labor, repairs, or technical crafts. It is most frequently associated with mechanics (car repair shops) or trades like carpentry and blacksmithing. Unlike the other terms, "oficina" implies a strictly functional, often oil-and-grease or sawdust environment.
O meu carro quebrou e precisei deixá-lo na oficina mecânica.
(My car broke down and I needed to leave it at the mechanic's shop.)
A oficina de carpintaria do meu pai é cheia de ferramentas antigas.
(My father's carpentry workshop is full of old tools.)
Os alunos tiveram uma aula prática na oficina de robótica.
(The students had a practical class in the robotics workshop.)
Atelier
B1This is the original French spelling and is the preferred term in Portugal for an artistic or design workspace. It is used for fine arts, high-end fashion, and architecture. While it implies a workshop, it suggests a cleaner, more intellectual, or creative environment compared to an "oficina".
O arquiteto desenhou o projeto no seu atelier no Porto.
(The architect designed the project in his studio in Porto.)
Visitámos o atelier da pintora para ver a nova coleção.
(We visited the painter's studio to see the new collection.)
Este atelier de moda em Lisboa é muito famoso.
(This fashion studio in Lisbon is very famous.)
Ateliê
B1This is the nativized Portuguese spelling of the French word, used predominantly in Brazil. Like its European counterpart, "ateliê" refers to a studio for artists, photographers, fashion designers, or artisans. It connotes creativity and specific craftsmanship rather than heavy industrial repair.
Minha tia abriu um ateliê de costura para fazer vestidos de festa.
(My aunt opened a sewing studio to make party dresses.)
O fotógrafo montou um ateliê com iluminação profissional.
(The photographer set up a studio with professional lighting.)
Comprei estes vasos de barro num ateliê de cerâmica em São Paulo.
(I bought these clay vases at a ceramics studio in São Paulo.)
Summary
In short, use "oficina" in both countries for places involving repairs, mechanics, or heavy manual labor. For creative workspaces (art, fashion, architecture), use "atelier" if you are in Portugal (French spelling) and "ateliê" if you are in Brazil (Portuguese spelling).