Pesquisa vs. enquete vs. sondagem vs. inquérito
While enquete, sondagem, pesquisa, and inquérito all relate to gathering information or opinions, usage depends heavily on the level of formality, the methodology (scientific vs. casual), and regional differences between Brazil and Portugal.
Pesquisa
A2This is the most common and broad term, especially in Brazil. It refers to a structured research, study, or survey conducted with a methodology. It applies to everything from academic studies and market research to election polls and price comparisons.
A mais recente pesquisa eleitoral mostra o candidato em primeiro lugar.
(The most recent election poll shows the candidate in first place.)
Fizemos uma pesquisa de preços antes de comprar o carro.
(We did a price survey before buying the car.)
Os cientistas publicaram uma pesquisa sobre o aquecimento global.
(The scientists published research on global warming.)
Enquete
B1Used primarily in Brazil, this word describes an informal poll, often found on websites, social media, or television. Unlike a pesquisa, an enquete usually lacks scientific rigor and simply counts the votes of people who chose to participate (internet polls).
Vou postar uma enquete no Instagram para escolher meu vestido.
(I will post a poll on Instagram to choose my dress.)
O site de notícias abriu uma enquete sobre o melhor jogador da partida.
(The news site opened a poll about the best player of the match.)
Participe da nossa enquete e ganhe um cupom de desconto.
(Participate in our poll and win a discount coupon.)
Sondagem
B2Meaning sounding out or probing, this term is used to gauge trends or public sentiment. It is very common in Portugal for election polls (synonymous with pesquisa in this context). In general business contexts, it implies a preliminary investigation to test the waters.
As sondagens indicam que o partido governante vai perder a maioria.
(The polls indicate that the ruling party will lose its majority.)
A empresa fez uma sondagem de mercado para lançar o produto.
(The company did a market probe to launch the product.)
É apenas uma sondagem inicial para ver se os clientes têm interesse.
(It is just an initial sounding out to see if customers are interested.)
Inquérito
C1Usage varies significantly by region. In Portugal, inquérito is the standard word for a survey or questionnaire (like a census). In Brazil, inquérito is almost exclusively used in legal contexts, referring to a police investigation or formal inquiry.
Por favor, responda a este inquérito de satisfação.
(Please answer this satisfaction survey. (Common in Portugal))
O governo lançou um inquérito nacional sobre habitação.
(The government launched a national survey on housing. (Common in Portugal))
A polícia abriu um inquérito para apurar o crime.
(The police opened an inquiry to investigate the crime. (Common in Brazil))
Summary
Use pesquisa for general research and scientific polls (especially in Brazil). Use enquete for informal, fun, or internet-based voting (Brazil). Use sondagem for gauging opinions or election polls (especially in Portugal). Use inquérito for surveys/questionnaires in Portugal, but be careful in Brazil, where it implies a police investigation.