vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "artigos" is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammatical function in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. It can refer to journalistic pieces, legal clauses, grammatical markers, or commercial items. The only significant difference is pronunciation:

• Brazilian Portuguese: Vowels are generally more open and clearly articulated. The final "s" is typically pronounced as a soft "s" (as in "sun"), depending on the specific region of Brazil.

• Continental Portuguese: Vowels are much more "closed" or reduced, often sounding almost swallowed. The final "s" is typically pronounced as a "sh" sound (palatalization).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

1. Eu li os artigos científicos na internet. (I read the scientific articles on the internet.)
2. A loja vende artigos de presente muito bonitos. (The store sells very beautiful gift items.)
3. Os artigos da nossa constituição são fundamentais. (The articles of our constitution are fundamental.)
4. Você sabe usar os artigos definidos e indefinidos? (Do you know how to use definite and indefinite articles?)
5. Estamos comprando artigos de escritório para a empresa. (We are buying office supplies for the company.)

Portuguese (Portugal) Examples:

1. Li os artigos científicos ontem. (I read the scientific articles yesterday.)
2. Estou a ver os artigos de decoração. (I am looking at the decoration items. — Note: PT-PT uses "a + infinitive" for continuous actions instead of the gerund.)
3. Os artigos da lei foram alterados. (The articles of the law were changed.)
4. Sabes usar os artigos corretamente? (Do you know how to use the articles correctly? — Note: Uses the "tu" conjugation, which is more common in informal PT-PT.)
5. Temos de comprar artigos de escritório novos. (We have to buy new office supplies. — Note: "Temos de" is the standard way to express obligation in PT-PT.)