vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the fundamental meaning of "avançar" (to progress, to move forward, or to approach) remains the same in both dialects, there are differences in pronunciation and typical usage:

• Pronunciation: In Brazilian Portuguese, vowels are generally more open and clearly articulated. In Continental Portuguese, there is significant vowel reduction in unstressed syllables, making the word sound more "compressed" or "swallowed."
• Usage: The prepositional construction used with the word varies depending on the context. In Brazil, when referring to a romantic or aggressive approach, one typically says "avançar em alguém." In Portugal, it is much more common to say "avançar sobre alguém." Additionally, the surrounding grammar (such as the choice between "precisar" and "ter de") often differs.

Brazilian Portuguese usage:

1. O projeto avançou muito este mês. (The project progressed a lot this month.)
2. O carro avançou o sinal vermelho. (The car ran the red light.)
3. Ele avançou nela na festa. (He hit on her at the party.)
4. A empresa precisa avançar para novos mercados. (The company needs to advance into new markets.)
5. A tropa avançou pelo campo. (The troop advanced through the field.)

Continental Portuguese usage:

1. O projeto avançou imenso este mês. (The project progressed immensely this month.)
2. O automóvel avançou o sinal vermelho. (The automobile ran the red light.)
3. Ele avançou sobre ela na festa. (He hit on her at the party.)
4. A empresa tem de avançar para novos mercados. (The company has to advance into new markets.)
5. A tropa avançou pela mata. (The troop advanced through the woods.)