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

No

While the spelling, meaning, and fundamental grammar of the word "acender" are identical in both dialects, there are differences in typical usage and grammatical application (conjugation).

In Brazil, the "você" form is the standard for everyday interaction, meaning the imperative (command) form used is often "acenda." In Portugal, the "tu" form is the standard for informal speech, making the imperative "acende." Additionally, while both dialects use "acender" for flames or candles, Brazilians more frequently substitute the word with "ligar" when referring to electric lights or electronic devices.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. Vou acender a vela agora. (I am going to light the candle now.)
  2. Ele acendeu o cigarro no quintal. (He lit the cigarette in the backyard.)
  3. Acenda a luz para mim, por favor. (Turn on the light for me, please. — Using the "você" imperative)
  4. Você acendeu o incenso? (Did you light the incense? — Using the "você" pronoun)
  5. Eu vou ligar a luz da sala. (I am going to turn on the living room light. — Using "ligar" as is typical in Brazil)

Portuguese (Portugal) Examples

  1. Vou acender a vela agora. (I am going to light the candle now.)
  2. Ele acendeu o cigarro no quintal. (He lit the cigarette in the backyard.)
  3. Acende a luz para mim, por favor. (Turn on the light for me, please. — Using the "tu" imperative)
  4. Acendeste o incenso? (Did you light the incense? — Using the "tu" past tense)
  5. É preciso acender a luz da sala. (It is necessary to turn on the living room light. — Using "acender" as is typical in Portugal)