vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

No

While the spelling and core meaning of "chegou" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese, there is a significant difference in typical usage regarding the preposition that follows the verb. In Brazil, it is standard (especially in colloquial speech) to use the preposition em (or its contractions no/na) to indicate a destination (e.g., chegou no Rio). In Portugal, the standard and grammatically expected preposition is a (e.g., chegou ao Rio). There are also subtle differences in pronunciation, specifically regarding the reduction of unstressed vowels.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. O ônibus chegou na escola atrasado. (The bus arrived at school late.)
2. Ela chegou no trabalho agora há pouco. (She arrived at work a little while ago.)
3. O pacote chegou na minha casa ontem. (The package arrived at my house yesterday.)
4. Ele chegou em São Paulo de madrugada. (He arrived in São Paulo in the early morning.)
5. A encomenda chegou no endereço errado. (The order arrived at the wrong address.)

Portuguese Examples

1. O autocarro chegou à escola atrasado. (The bus arrived at school late.)
2. Ela chegou ao trabalho agora mesmo. (She arrived at work just now.)
3. A encomenda chegou à morada errada. (The order arrived at the wrong address.)
4. Ele chegou a Lisboa de madrugada. (He arrived in Lisbon in the early morning.)
5. O comboio chegou à estação. (The train arrived at the station.)