vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The only differences between the use of "cancelar" in Brazilian and Continental Portuguese are phonetic. In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are generally more open, and the rhythm of speech is more syllable-timed. While the "l" in the word "cancelar" itself is a lateral consonant in both dialects, in derivatives like cancelado (canceled), Brazilians often vocalize the "l" to sound like a "u" (can-ce-DAU-do), whereas a Portuguese person would maintain a clear lateral "l" sound. Additionally, the "r" at the end of the word can vary in Brazil—ranging from a soft tap to a strong retroflex sound—whereas in Portugal, it is typically a more distinct alveolar tap.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu preciso cancelar minha assinatura da Netflix. (I need to cancel my Netflix subscription.)
2. Eles cancelaram o show de última hora. (They canceled the show at the last minute.)
3. Você consegue cancelar o pedido pelo aplicativo? (Can you cancel the order through the app?)
4. Tive que cancelar o compromisso. (I had to cancel the appointment.)
5. O voo foi cancelado por causa do mau tempo. (The flight was canceled because of the bad weather.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Tenho de cancelar a minha subscrição da Netflix. (I have to cancel my Netflix subscription.)
2. Eles cancelaram o concerto à última hora. (They canceled the concert at the last minute.)
3. Consegues cancelar a encomenda pela aplicação? (Can you cancel the order via the app?)
4. Tive de cancelar o compromisso. (I had to cancel the appointment.)
5. O voo foi cancelado devido ao mau tempo. (The flight was canceled due to the bad weather.)