vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The meaning, spelling, and grammatical conjugation of the word "amam" (the third-person plural present indicative of the verb amar) are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are typically pronounced more openly and clearly. In Continental Portuguese, the language tends to be more "stress-timed," meaning unstressed vowels (like the second "a" in amam) are often reduced, closed, or pronounced much more subtly than in Brazil.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eles amam animais. (They love animals.)
2. Eles amam viajar pelo Brasil. (They love traveling through Brazil.)
3. Meus pais me amam muito. (My parents love me very much.)
4. As crianças amam doces. (The children love sweets.)
5. Eles amam essa música. (They love this song.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Eles amam animais. (They love animals.)
2. Eles amam viajar por Portugal. (They love traveling through Portugal.)
3. Os meus pais amam-me muito. (My parents love me very much.)
4. As crianças amam doces. (The children love sweets.)
5. Eles amam esta música. (They love this song.)