vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

The difference lies in the typical usage of the verb form. As a noun (meaning "boot"), the word is identical in both dialects. However, when referring to the third-person singular or the imperative form of the verb botar, the usage is significantly different. In Brazilian Portuguese, "bota" is a very common, informal synonym for colocar (to put or place). In Continental Portuguese, using "bota" to mean "put" is highly unidiomatic and rare; instead, Portuguese people prefer to use the verbs pôr or colocar.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Bota o livro na mesa. (Put the book on the table.)
2. Bota o casaco, que está frio. (Put on your coat, it's cold.)
3. Ele bota muito açúcar no café. (He puts a lot of sugar in the coffee.)
4. Bota o lixo na sacola. (Put the trash in the bag.)
5. Não bota os pés no sofá! (Don't put your feet on the sofa!)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Põe o livro na mesa. (Put the book on the table.)
2. Põe o casamente, que está frio. (Put on your coat, it's cold.)
3. Ele põe muito açúcar no café. (He puts a lot of sugar in the coffee.)
4. Coloca o lixo no saco. (Put the trash in the bag.)
5. Não ponhas os pés no sofá! (Don't put your feet on the sofa!)