vs 
· BR vs PT Word Differences← Back to searchWord Index →
Is the word cansar the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?
No
While the fundamental meaning of "cansar" (to tire, to fatigue, or to bore) remains the same, there are significant differences in the grammar and typical usage of the word between the two dialects:
- Grammar (Clitic Placement): In Brazilian Portuguese (BP), object pronouns almost always come before the verb (proclisis), such as "me cansa." In Continental Portuguese (CP), pronouns typically follow the verb (enclisis), such as "cansa-me." (Note: Negation triggers proclisis in both dialects).
- Grammar (Progressive Aspect): Brazilians use the gerund to express ongoing actions ("está cansando"), whereas the Portuguese use the preposition a + infinitive ("está a cansar").
- Typical Usage (Vocabulary/Idioms): While Brazilians use "cansar" to express being "fed up," Portuguese speakers more naturally use the verb "fartar" (e.g., "estou farto"). Additionally, Brazilians use "todo mundo" for "everyone," while the Portuguese use "toda a gente."
- Pronunciation: Brazilian Portuguese features more open, vocalic sounds and a more melodic rhythm. Continental Portuguese features much more vowel reduction and "closed" sounds, which can make unstressed syllables sound almost swallowed.
Brazilian Portuguese Examples
- Esse barulho me cansa muito. (This noise tires me a lot.)
- Eu cansei de esperar por você. (I got tired of waiting for you.)
- Não me cansa trabalhar até tarde. (Working late doesn't tire me.)
- Ele está cansando todo mundo com essa história. (He is tiring everyone out with this story.)
- Você me cansa com essas perguntas. (You tire me with these questions.)
Continental Portuguese Examples
- Este barulho cansa-me muito. (This noise tires me a lot.)
- Estou farto de esperar por ti. (I am fed up with waiting for you.)
- Não me cansa trabalhar até tarde. (Working late doesn't tire me.)
- Ele está a cansar toda a gente com essa história. (He is tiring everyone out with this story.)
- Tu cansas-me com essas perguntas. (You tire me with these questions.)