vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the core definition of "buscar" (to fetch, to seek, or to go get) remains the same in both dialects, there is a difference in typical usage and pronunciation.

• Usage: In Brazilian Portuguese, "buscar" is the standard, most natural verb used when you want to say "to pick up" a person or an object (e.g., picking up a child from school or a package from a store). In Continental Portuguese, while "buscar" is used for fetching something, the verb "apanhar" is much more frequently used for the specific concept of "picking up" someone or something from a location.
• Pronunciation: Brazilian Portuguese features more open vowels and a more "syllable-timed" rhythm, where each syllable receives relatively equal weight. Continental Portuguese features more closed, reduced vowels (often making unstressed vowels sound almost invisible) and a "stress-timed" rhythm, which sounds more clipped to Brazilian ears.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Vou buscar as crianças na escola. (I'm going to pick up the children at school.)
2. Você pode buscar o meu pedido na loja? (Can you pick up my order at the store?)
3. Eu preciso buscar o meu cachorro no veterinário. (I need to pick up my dog at the vet.)
4. Ele saiu para buscar um café. (He went out to get a coffee.)
5. O Uber vai te buscar em dez minutos. (The Uber will pick you up in ten minutes.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Vou apanhar as crianças na escola. (I'm going to pick up the children at school.)
2. Podes ir apanhar a minha encomenda? (Can you go pick up my package?)
3. Tenho de ir apanhar o meu cão ao veterinário. (I have to go pick up my dog at the vet.)
4. Ele saiu para ir buscar um café. (He went out to get a coffee.)
5. O Uber vai apanhar-te em dez minutos. (The Uber will pick you up in ten minutes.)