Turma vs. classe
While both words can be translated as class in English, they serve different functions. Turma specifically refers to the distinct group or cohort of students who study together. Classe is a broader term that can refer to the physical room, the general grade level (especially in European Portuguese), or the abstract collection of students during a lesson.
Turma
A2This word describes a specific group or batch of students who attend lessons together. A school might have many students in the 5th grade, but they are divided into different groups, such as turma A and turma B. It emphasizes the social unit or the specific section of students.
A minha turma organizou uma festa de despedida.
(My class organized a farewell party.)
O professor gosta muito desta turma porque eles são participativos.
(The teacher really likes this class because they are participative.)
Vou mudar de escola mas vou sentir falta da minha turma.
(I am changing schools but I will miss my class.)
A turma de 1999 se reuniu novamente este ano.
(The class of 1999 reunited again this year.)
Amanhã não haverá aula para a nossa turma.
(Tomorrow there will be no class for our group.)
Classe
B1When referring to students, this word is more formal or abstract. It often refers to the physical environment (short for sala de classe), the discipline of the group during a lecture, or the academic level/grade (particularly in European Portuguese contexts, whereas Brazil prefers série or ano).
Por favor, silêncio na classe.
(Please, silence in class.)
O diretor entrou na classe para fazer um anúncio.
(The principal entered the class to make an announcement.)
Meu avô completou apenas a quarta classe.
(My grandfather only completed the fourth grade.)
Ele foi expulso da classe por mau comportamento.
(He was kicked out of class for bad behavior.)
A classe operária luta por seus direitos.
(The working class fights for its rights.)
Summary
Use turma when talking about the specific friends or cohort of students you study with (e.g., Class 5-B). Use classe when referring to the physical location, the lesson environment, or, specifically in Portugal, the academic grade level.