vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The difference between the word in Brazilian Portuguese and Continental Portuguese is strictly phonetic. In Brazilian Portuguese, the unstressed vowels (specifically the "a" in the middle of the word) are more open and clearly articulated. In Continental Portuguese, these unstressed vowels undergo significant reduction, often sounding much shorter, more closed, or nearly disappearing entirely, which gives the word a more "clipped" and consonant-heavy rhythm.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eles acabaram de chegar. (They just arrived.)
2. As frutas acabaram. (The fruits ran out.)
3. Eles acabaram com a minha paciência. (They exhausted my patience.)
4. As aulas acabaram. (Classes ended.)
5. Eles acabaram por aceitar o convate. (They ended up accepting the invitation.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Eles acabaram de chegar. (They just arrived.)
2. As frutas esgotaram. (The fruits ran out.)
3. Eles estragaram a minha paciência. (They ruined my patience.)
4. As aulas terminaram. (Classes ended.)
5. Eles acabaram por aceitar o convite. (They ended up accepting the invitation.)