vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The spelling, meaning, and grammatical usage of "caracterizar" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, vowels are generally more open and clearly articulated, making each syllable easy to distinguish. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels undergo significant reduction or "devoicing," meaning they are often shortened or nearly swallowed, which changes the rhythmic cadence of the word.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. O que caracteriza esse celular é a bateria. (What characterizes this cell phone is the battery.)
2. A empresa quer caracterizar o seu ônibus como ecológico. (The company wants to characterize its bus as ecological.)
3. O cientista tentou caracterizar a nova espécie de jacaré. (The scientist tried to characterize the new species of alligator.)
4. É difícil caracterizar o estilo desse filme. (It is difficult to characterize the style of that movie.)
5. O clima quente pode caracterizar o verão aqui. (Hot weather can characterize summer here.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. O que caracteriza esse telemóvel é a bateria. (What characterizes this mobile phone is the battery.)
2. A empresa quer caracterizar o seu autocarro como ecológico. (The company wants to characterize its bus as ecological.)
3. O cientista tentou caracterizar a nova espécie de crocodilo. (The scientist tried to characterize the new species of crocodile.)
4. É difícil caracterizar o estilo deste filme. (It is difficult to characterize the style of this movie.)
5. O clima quente pode caracterizar o verão por cá. (Hot weather can characterize summer around here.)