vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "assinar" is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammatical function in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The differences are strictly phonetic. In Brazilian Portuguese, the "s" between vowels is pronounced as a voiced /z/, and the vowels tend to be more open. In Continental Portuguese, the vowels are often more closed or reduced, and the "s" may have a more sibilant or "sh" sound depending on the specific regional accent.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu preciso assinar este contrato hoje. (I need to sign this contract today.)
2. Você já assinou o documento? (Have you signed the document yet?)
3. Ele está assinando o recibo agora. (He is signing the receipt now.)
4. Não esqueça de assinar a lista. (Don't forget to sign the list.)
5. Ela assinou a petição com o nome completo. (She signed the petition with her full name.)

Portuguese (Portugal) Examples

1. Eu preciso assinar este contrato hoje. (I need to sign this contract today.)
2. Já assinaste o documento? (Have you signed the document? — Using the "tu" form common in Portugal)
3. Ele está a assinar o recibo agora. (He is signing the receipt now. — Using the "a + infinitive" construction instead of the gerund)
4. Não te esqueças de assinar a lista. (Don't forget to sign the list. — Using the reflexive pronoun "te" with the "tu" form)
5. Ela assinou a petição com o nome completo. (She signed the petition with her full name.)