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

Yes

The spelling, meaning, and grammatical function of "acontecem" (the third-person plural of the verb acontecer) are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference is in pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, vowels are generally more open and clearly articulated. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels undergo significant reduction, meaning the "e" in "acontecem" is often shortened, swallowed, or pronounced as a very closed, almost silent sound.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. Coisas boas acontecem para quem espera. (Good things happen to those who wait.)
  2. Esses problemas acontecem direto por aqui. (These problems happen constantly around here.)
  3. Não se preocupe, acidentes acontecem. (Don't worry, accidents happen.)
  4. As mudanças acontecem muito rápido. (Changes happen very fast.)
  5. Coisas estranhas acontecem por aqui. (Strange things happen around here.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. Coisas boas acontecem a quem espera. (Good things happen to those who wait.)
  2. Estes problemas acontecem com frequência. (These problems happen frequently.)
  3. Não te preocupes, acidentes acontecem. (Don't worry, accidents happen.)
  4. As alterações acontecem de forma repentina. (Changes happen suddenly.)
  5. Coisas estranhas acontecem por este lado. (Strange things happen around here.)