vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "alimentar" is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammatical function in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are typically more open and clearly articulated. In Continental Portuguese, vowels—especially unstressed ones—are much more closed, reduced, or even suppressed, giving the word a more "clipped" or consonant-heavy sound.

Brazilian Portuguese examples:

1. Você precisa alimentar o cachorro agora. (You need to feed the dog now.)
2. O bebê precisa ser alimentado a cada três horas. (The baby needs to be fed every three hours.)
3. É importante manter uma dieta alimentar saudável. (It is important to maintain a healthy nutritional diet.)
4. Eu esqueci de alimentar os peixes. (I forgot to feed the fish.) 5. A cadeia alimentar é essencial para o ecossistema. (The food chain is essential for the ecosystem.)

Continental Portuguese examples:

1. Tens de dar comida ao cão agora. (You have to feed the dog now.) Note: A Portuguese person would more naturally use "dar comida" (to give food) and "cão" instead of "cachorro".
2. O bebé precisa de ser alimentado de três em três horas. (The baby needs to be fed every three hours.) Note: Use of "bebé" and the "de... em..." construction.
3. É importante manter uma dieta alimentar saudável. (It is important to maintain a healthy nutritional diet.)
4. Esqueci-me de alimentar os peixes. (I forgot to feed the fish.) Note: Use of the reflexive "esqueci-me".
5. A cadeia alimentar é essencial para o ecossistema. (The food chain is essential for the ecosystem.)