vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the semantic meaning of "achando" (the gerund of the verb achar, meaning to find, to think, or to deem) is the same in both dialects, there is a significant difference in usage.

In Brazil, the gerund form ("achando") is the standard way to express continuous or progressive actions. In Portugal, the progressive aspect is almost exclusively expressed using the preposition a + the infinitive form of the verb ("a achar"). While a Portuguese person would understand "estou achando," it would sound distinctly Brazilian to them. To sound natural in Portugal, one must change the construction.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu estou achando este filme muito parado. (I am finding this movie very slow.)

2. O que você está achando da nossa nova professora? (What are you finding/thinking of our new teacher?)

3. Eles estão achando a comida um pouco salgada. (They are finding the food a bit salty.)

4. Eu acho que estou achando tudo meio confuso. (I think I am finding everything a bit confusing.)

5. Você estava achando que o trabalho seria fácil? (Were you finding/thinking that the work would be easy?)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Eu estou a achar este filme muito parado. (I am finding this movie very slow.)
2. O que é que estás a achar da nossa nova professora? (What are you finding/thinking of our new teacher?)
3. Eles estão a achar a comida um pouco salgada. (They are finding the food a bit salty.)
4. Eu acho que estou a achar tudo meio confuso. (I think I am finding everything a bit confusing.)
5. Tu estavas a achar que o trabalho seria fácil? (Were you finding/thinking that the work would be easy?)