vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the meaning, spelling, and grammar of "alimentos" are identical in both varieties, there is a difference in typical usage and pronunciation. In Brazil, "alimentos" is frequently used as a standalone word in both commercial and nutritional contexts (e.g., "setor de alimentos"). In Portugal, while "alimentos" is used, it is much more common in commercial contexts to use the expanded phrase "produtos alimentares," and in casual conversation, people are more likely to use "comida" to refer to the same concept. Additionally, the pronunciation differs: Brazilian Portuguese features more open vowels, while Continental Portuguese often reduces or almost silences unstressed vowels (like the 'e' in ali-men-tos).

Brazilian Portuguese

• Precisamos comprar alimentos saudáveis. (We need to buy healthy foods.)
• O supermercado tem muitos alimentos frescos. (The supermarket has many fresh foods.)
• A falta de alimentos é um problema grave. (The lack of food is a serious problem.)
• Este produto contém alimentos essenciais. (This product contains essential foods.)
• Evite o consumo de alimentos processados. (Avoid the consumption of processed foods.)

Continental Portuguese

• Temos de comprar comida saudável. (We need to buy healthy food.)
• O supermercado tem muitos produtos alimentares frescos. (The supermarket has many fresh food products.)
• A falta de comida é um problema grave. (The lack of food is a serious problem.)
• Este produto contém alimentos essenciais. (This product contains essential foods.)
• Deve evitar o consumo de alimentos processados. (You should avoid the consumption of processed foods.)