vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

The difference between the two varieties lies in grammatical usage regarding the continuous aspect (actions in progress). In Brazilian Portuguese, the standard way to express an ongoing action is by using the gerund (atravessando). In Continental Portuguese, the standard construction is the preposition a followed by the infinitive (a atravessar). While the spelling and the core meaning of the verb remain the same, the way the word is used to describe something happening "now" is fundamentally different.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Estou atravessando a rua agora. (I am crossing the street now.)
2. O carro está atravessando a ponte. (The car is crossing the bridge.)
3. Ele está atravessando uma fase difícil. (He is going through a difficult phase.)
4. O caminhão está atravessando a pista. (The truck is crossing the lane.)
5. Você está atravessando o meu caminho. (You are getting in my way.)

European Portuguese Examples

1. Estou a atravessar a rua agora. (I am crossing the street now.)
2. O carro está a atravessar a ponte. (The car is crossing the bridge.)
3. Ele está a passar por uma fase difícil. (He is going through a difficult phase.)
4. O camião está a atravessar a pista. (The truck is crossing the lane.)
5. Estás a atravessar o meu caminho. (You are getting in my way.)