vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the word "bebendo" exists in both varieties, there is a fundamental difference in grammatical usage. In Brazilian Portuguese, the gerund (bebendo) is the standard way to express an ongoing action (the continuous present). In Continental Portuguese, the standard construction for an ongoing action is the preposition a followed by the infinitive of the verb (a beber). Additionally, while the spelling is the same, the pronunciation differs: Brazilians tend to pronounce the vowels more openly, while Portuguese speakers tend to reduce unstressed vowels, making the word sound more "closed" or consonant-heavy.

Brazilian Portuguese

1. Eu estou bebendo água. (I am drinking water.)
2. Eles estão bebendo cerveja na festa. (They are drinking beer at the party.)
3. O que você está bebendo? (What are you drinking?)
4. Ela passou a tarde bebendo suco. (She spent the afternoon drinking juice.)
5. Não gosto de ficar bebendo refrigerante. (I don't like drinking soda.)

Continental Portuguese

1. Eu estou a beber água. (I am drinking water.)
2. Eles estão a beber cerveja na festa. (They are drinking beer at the party.)
3. O que estás a beber? (What are you drinking?)
4. Ela passou a tarde a beber sumo. (She spent the afternoon drinking juice.)
5. Não gosto de ficar a beber refrigerante. (I don't like drinking soda.)