vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the core semantic meanings and grammar of "apontar" are identical in both varieties, there are differences in typical usage and pronunciation. In Brazil, "apontar" is frequently used as a common synonym for anotar (to note down or write down), whereas in Portugal, while "apontar" is understood, speakers more typically use anotar or tomar nota for the act of writing. Additionally, the pronunciation differs significantly: Brazilian Portuguese maintains more open vowels, while European Portuguese features heavy vowel reduction (the first "a" becomes almost silent, and the "o" becomes much more closed).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Ele apontou o erro no relatório. (He pointed out the error in the report.)
2. Vou apontar os dados importantes no meu caderno. (I'm going to note down the important data in my notebook.)
3. O sol começou a apontar no horizonte. (The sun began to appear on the horizon.)
4. Ela apontou o dedo para o culpado. (She pointed her finger at the guilty one.)
5. O professor apontou a necessidade de estudar mais. (The teacher pointed out the need to study more.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Ele apontou o erro no relatório. (He pointed out the error in the report.)
2. Vou anotar os dados importantes no meu caderno. (I'm going to note down the important data in my notebook.)
3. O sol começou a surgir no horizonte. (The sun began to emerge on the horizon.)
4. Ela apontou o dedo para o culpado. (She pointed her finger at the guilty one.)
5. O professor indicou a necessidade de estudar mais. (The professor indicated the need to study more.)