vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the meaning and spelling of "avisa" are the same in both variants, there are significant differences in grammar (syntax) and typical usage:

• Clitic Placement: In Brazil, it is natural and common to place the object pronoun before the verb (e.g., "Me avisa"). In Portugal, the pronoun is almost always placed after the verb (e.g., "Avisa-me").
• Verb Mood/Syntax: When using "avisa" to say "let me know when...", Brazilians frequently use the indicative mood (quando você chegar). Portuguese speakers typically use the future subjunctive (quando chegares).
• Vocabulary/Context: The surrounding words often change to reflect local dialects (e.g., using "galera" in Brazil vs. "pessoal" in Portugal).
• Gerund vs. Infinitive: When describing an ongoing action related to the notification, Brazilians use the gerund (estou saindo), while Portuguese people use the preposition a + infinitive (estou a sair).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Me avisa quando você chegar. (Let me know when you arrive.)
2. Avisa a galera que o jogo vai começar. (Let the gang know that the game is going to start.)
3. Se você for, me avisa. (If you go, let me know.)
4. Me avisa se precisar de alguma coisa. (Let me know if you need anything.)
5. Avisa ele que eu já estou saindo. (Let him know that I am already leaving.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Avisa-me quando chegares. (Let me know when you arrive.)
2. Avisa o pessoal que o jogo vai começar. (Let the folks know that the game is going to start.)
3. Se fores, avisa-me. (If you go, let me know.)
4. Avisa-me se precisares de alguma coisa. (Let me know if you need anything.)
5. Avisa-o que eu já estou a sair. (Let him know that I am already leaving.)