Comparisons and differences
Tarô or tarot: which spelling is correct in Portuguese?
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Both spellings refer to the same deck. Tarô is the Portuguese-adapted form, listed in Portuguese-language dictionaries, and tarot is the original form, of French origin, widely used online and in esoteric circles. There is no difference in meaning between them, only in spelling.
Same thing, two spellings
The word came from French, where it is written tarot. In Portuguese, many dictionaries list the adapted form tarô, with a circumflex accent, which reflects how the word is pronounced in Brazil.
Even so, tarot without the accent is extremely common in books, shops, profiles and websites in the field. Many people recognize the word that way and search for it that way, which is why both forms coexist.
Which one to use in your text
In formal texts that follow standard Portuguese, tarô is the safest option. In content aimed at people who search online or buy decks, tarot tends to be the more familiar spelling.
What matters is staying consistent within a single text. Switching between the two forms without a reason can confuse readers and come across as careless.
- Academic or formal text: tarô.
- Name of a deck or brand: use the product's official spelling.
- Digital content for search: keep in mind that many people type tarot.
Summary of the two spellings
The table shows how the two forms behave in practice.
| Form | Origin | Where it appears most |
|---|---|---|
| Tarô | Portuguese adaptation of the French | Dictionaries and formal texts |
| Tarot | Original French spelling | Deck names, shops and the internet |
| Tarô de Marselha | Name with the Portuguese-adapted spelling | Books in Portuguese |
| Tarot de Marselha | Name with the original spelling | Shops, websites and communities |
Does this change the reading or the deck?
Not at all. The 78-card deck, the Major and Minor Arcana, the spreads and the interpretations are the same, no matter how you spell it.
If you are searching online, it is worth trying both forms, because not all content uses the same spelling.
The same goes for the names of decks and cards: you will find Tarô de Marselha and Tarot de Marselha, and both point to the same deck. When you buy or study, check what is in the box and in the book, and not just the spelling in the title.
Frequently asked questions
- Are tarô and tarot the same thing?
- Yes. They are two spellings of the same word, which names the 78-card deck used for symbolic reading.
- What is the correct pronunciation?
- In Brazil, it is common to say tarô, with a stressed final syllable. In French, the final letter t is not pronounced, which explains the Portuguese-adapted form.
- Why do so many sites use tarot?
- Because it is the original form and the one many people type into search engines. That is why sites in the field tend to adopt it, even though it is not the Portuguese-adapted spelling.
Educational content, for reflection. Tarot does not replace medical, legal or financial advice.