vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The only difference between the two varieties is pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are generally more open, and the rhythm of speech is more "syllable-timed," making the word sound more melodic. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels are much more closed or even reduced (the "e" may sound almost like a very short "i" or be nearly silent), and the rhythm is more "stress-timed."

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Fique alerta ao atravessar a rua. (Stay alert when crossing the street.)
2. O celular enviou um alerta de tempestade. (The cell phone sent a storm alert.)
3. A prefeitura colocou a cidade em alerta. (The city hall put the city on alert.)
4. Ele deu um alerta para a gente tomar cuidado. (He gave a warning for us to be careful.)
5. O sensor disparou um alerta de movimento. (The sensor triggered a motion alert.)

Portuguese (Portugal) Examples

1. Fica alerta ao atravessar a estrada. (Stay alert when crossing the road.)
2. O telemóvel enviou um alerta de tempestade. (The mobile phone sent a storm alert.)
3. A câmara colocou a cidade em alerta. (The city hall put the city on alert.)
4. Ele deu um alerta para a malta ter cuidado. (He gave a warning for everyone to be careful.)
5. O sensor disparou um alerta de movimento. (The sensor triggered a motion alert.)