vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

Look up any Duolingo word — find out how it differs between Brazilian and European Portuguese

Is the word abelha the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes

The spelling, meaning, and grammar of the word are identical in both dialects. The difference is strictly pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are generally more open and clearly articulated. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels (such as the initial "a") are heavily reduced or "swallowed," making the word sound much more clipped and less melodic.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. A abelha picou o menino. (The bee stung the boy.)
2. Vi uma abelha voando perto da fruta. (I saw a bee flying near the fruit.)
3. Tem uma abelha na sua mão! (There is a bee on your hand!)
4. As abelhas são importantes para a natureza. (Bees are important for nature.)
5. O zumbido da abelha me assustou. (The buzzing of the bee scared me.)

Portuguese (Portugal) Examples

1. A abelha picou o rapaz. (The bee stung the boy.)
2. Vi uma abelha a voar perto da fruta. (I saw a bee flying near the fruit.)
3. Há uma abelha na tua mão! (There is a bee on your hand!)
4. As abelhas são importantes para a natureza. (Bees are important for nature.)
5. O zumbido da abelha assustou-me. (The buzzing of the bee scared me.)