vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "cavalos" is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammatical function in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only differences lie in pronunciation:

• Sibilance: In Continental Portuguese, the "s" at the end of "cavalos" is pronounced as a "sh" sound (like the "sh" in "shoe"). In most regions of Brazil, it is pronounced as a soft "s" or "z" sound.
• Vowel Reduction: Portuguese speakers in Portugal tend to "swallow" or reduce unstressed vowels significantly, making the word sound much shorter and more closed. Brazilians tend to pronounce vowels more openly and clearly.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Os cavalos estão correndo pelo pasto. (The horses are running through the pasture.)
2. Eu vi cavalos grandes na fazenda. (I saw large horses on the farm.)
3. Os cavalos precisam de água fresca. (The horses need fresh water.)
4. Ele gosta de cuidar dos cavalos todos os dias. (He likes to take care of the horses every day.)
5. Aqueles cavalos são muito rápidos. (Those horses are very fast.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Os cavalos estão a correr pelo pasto. (The horses are running through the pasture.)
2. Eu vi cavalos grandes na quinta. (I saw large horses on the farm/estate.)
3. Os cavalos precisam de água fresca. (The horses need fresh water.)
4. Ele gosta de cuidar dos cavalos todos os dias. (He likes to take care of the horses every day.)
5. Aqueles cavalos são muito rápidos. (Those horses are very fast.)