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

No

The word you are referring to is likely "ama" (the accent in "amá" is not used in standard Portuguese). While the dictionary definition and the spelling of the verb "ama" are the same in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese, the answer is No because there are significant differences in grammar and typical usage.

  1. Grammar (Object Pronouns): In Brazil, it is natural and common in spoken language to use subject pronouns (like ela) as direct objects (e.g., "Ele ama ela"). In Portugal, this is considered grammatically incorrect in standard speech; instead, the pronoun must be attached to the verb using enclisis (e.g., "Ele ama-a").
  2. Usage (The Noun "ama"): When referring to a person who cares for children, Brazilians almost exclusively use the word "babá". In Portugal, "ama" remains a standard and common term for a governess or nanny.
  3. Typical Vocabulary: While the word "ama" remains the same, the surrounding vocabulary used to express the same idea often changes (e.g., Brazilians use "legal" where Portuguese people use "fixe").

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. Ele ama ela. (He loves her.)
  2. A babá ama as crianças. (The nanny loves the children.)
  3. Eu amo esse filme. (I love this movie.)
  4. Ele ama o cachorro dele. (He loves his dog.)
  5. Ela ama chocolate. (She loves chocolate.)

Portuguese (Continental) Examples

  1. Ele ama-a. (He loves her.)
  2. A ama ama as crianças. (The nanny loves the children.)
  3. Eu amo este filme. (I love this movie.)
  4. Ele ama o cão dele. (He loves his dog.)
  5. Ela ama chocolate. (She loves chocolate.)