Sobrenome vs. apelido
The difference between sobrenome and apelido when referring to a family name is primarily regional. While both can mean surname or last name, sobrenome is the standard term used in Brazilian Portuguese. In contrast, apelido is the standard term used in European Portuguese (Portugal) and Portuguese-speaking African countries. It is crucial to note that in Brazil, apelido exists but usually refers to a nickname rather than a family name.
Sobrenome
A1This word strictly refers to the family name inherited from parents or acquired through marriage. It is the dominant term in Brazil for last name and is understood in Portugal, although less commonly used there in daily conversation.
Qual é o seu sobrenome?
(What is your last name?)
Ela decidiu usar o sobrenome do marido após o casamento.
(She decided to use her husband's surname after the wedding.)
O meu sobrenome é muito difícil de pronunciar.
(My last name is very hard to pronounce.)
Eles não compartilham o mesmo sobrenome.
(They do not share the same surname.)
Por favor, assine com seu nome e sobrenome.
(Please sign with your first and last name.)
Apelido
A1In European Portuguese (Portugal), this is the formal and common word for surname or family name. However, learners must be very careful, as in Brazil, this word almost exclusively means nickname (a pet name or funny name given to friends).
Os portugueses geralmente têm dois apelidos.
(The Portuguese usually have two surnames.)
Escreva o seu primeiro nome e o seu apelido no formulário.
(Write your first name and your surname on the form.)
O apelido da família dela é bem conhecido em Lisboa.
(Her family's surname is well known in Lisbon.)
Não herdei o apelido do meu pai.
(I did not inherit my father's last name.)
Como se soletra o seu apelido?
(How do you spell your surname?)
Summary
If you want to say surname or last name, use sobrenome if you are speaking Brazilian Portuguese. If you are speaking European Portuguese, use apelido. Remember that using apelido in Brazil will be interpreted as asking for a nickname (like asking someone if they go by Danny instead of Daniel).