vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the meaning, spelling, and grammar of "apenas" are identical in both dialects, there is a difference in typical usage regarding register. In Brazil, "apenas" is often perceived as more formal or literary; in casual, spoken Brazilian Portuguese, the word "só" is much more frequent. In Portugal, "apenas" is used naturally in everyday spoken conversation and does not carry the same level of formality.

Brazilian Portuguese (using "apenas")

• Ele tem apenas dez anos. (He is only ten years old.)
• A viagem dura apenas três dias. (The trip lasts only three days.)
• Eu tenho apenas um carro. (I have only one car.)
• O preço é de apenas cinquenta reais. (The price is only fifty reais.)
• Ela apenas observava a cena. (She merely observed the scene.)

Portuguese (using "só" for naturalness)

• Ele tem só dez anos. (He is only ten years old.)
• A viagem dura só três dias. (The trip lasts only three days.)
• Só tenho um carro. (I have only one car.)
• O preço é de só cinquenta euros. (The price is only fifty euros.)
• Ela só observava a cena. (She only observed the scene.)