vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "abraçam" is identical in spelling, meaning, and grammatical conjugation in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, unstressed vowels tend to be more "open" and clearly articulated. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels are often more "closed" or reduced, meaning the "a" in the first syllable of "abraçam" is much more subtle or almost swallowed compared to the Brazilian pronunciation.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eles se abraçam muito quando se encontram. (They hug each other a lot when they meet.)
2. Os alunos se abraçam após a prova. (The students hug each other after the exam.)
3. Vocês se abraçam na frente de todo mundo? (Do you all hug each other in front of everyone?)
4. Eles abraçam todo mundo na recepção. (They hug everyone at the reception.)
5. Os irmãos se abraçam com carinho. (The siblings hug each other affectionately.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Eles abraçam-se muito quando se encontram. (They hug each other a lot when they meet.)
2. Os alunos abraçam-se após o exame. (The students hug each other after the exam.)
3. Vocês abraçam-se à frente de toda a gente? (Do you all hug each other in front of everyone?)
4. Eles abraçam toda a gente na receção. (They hug everyone at the reception.)
5. Os irmãos abraçam-se com carinho. (The siblings hug each other affectionately.)