vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "balões" is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammar in both Brazilian and European Portuguese. It can refer to party balloons, hot air balloons, or speech bubbles in comics. The only difference is pronunciation: Brazilian Portuguese tends to pronounce the nasal diphthong "-ões" with more open vowels, while Continental Portuguese tends to use more closed or reduced vowels.

Brazilian Portuguese Usage

1. Comprei vários balões coloridos para a festa de aniversário. (I bought several colorful balloons for the birthday party.)
2. As crianças estão brincando com os balões no parque. (The children are playing with the balloons in the park.)
3. O balão de ar quente subiu ao céu ao amanhecer. (The hot air balloon rose into the sky at dawn.)
4. Os balões de fala nos quadrinhos estão muito pequenos. (The speech bubbles in the comics are very small.)
5. Soltamos balões no festival de São João. (We released balloons at the São João festival.)

European Portuguese Usage

1. Comprei vários balões coloridos para a festa de aniversário. (I bought several colorful balloons for the birthday party.)
2. As crianças estão a brincar com os balões no parque. (The children are playing with the balloons in the park.)
3. O balão de ar quente subiu ao céu ao amanhecer. (The hot air balloon rose into the sky at dawn.)
4. Os balões de fala na banda desenhada estão muito pequenos. (The speech bubbles in the comic strip are very small.)
5. Lançámos balões durante o festival. (We launched balloons during the festival.)