vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

The difference lies in the grammatical usage of the gerund. In Brazilian Portuguese, the gerund (the -ando form) is the standard way to express continuous or progressive actions (actions happening right now). In Continental Portuguese, the gerund is almost never used for this purpose; instead, the construction a + infinitive (e.g., a andar) is used to express the same idea. While the specific conjugation "ando" (the first-person singular present) exists in both dialects, its role in describing ongoing actions is a primary distinction in usage.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu estou andando de ônibus. (I am riding the bus.)
2. Ele está andando muito rápido. (He is walking very fast.)
3. Nós estamos andando no parque. (We are walking in the park.)
4. Você está andando com ele hoje? (Are you hanging out with him today?)
5. Eu ando muito preocupado ultimamente. (I have been very worried lately.)

Portuguese Examples

1. Eu estou a andar de autocarro. (I am riding the bus.)
2. Ele está a andar muito rápido. (He is walking very fast.)
3. Nós estamos a andar no parque. (We are walking in the park.)
4. Tu estás a andar com ele hoje? (Are you hanging out with him today?)
5. Eu ando muito preocupado ultimamente. (I have been very worried lately.)