vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes.

The word cheia is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammar in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. It functions as the feminine form of the adjective cheio (full) and as a noun (e.g., a cheia meaning "the flood"). The only difference is pronunciation: Brazilian Portuguese typically features more open, clearly articulated vowels, whereas Continental Portuguese involves significant vowel reduction, which often makes the final "a" sound much shorter or nearly swallowed in natural speech.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

1. A xícara está cheia de café. (The cup is full of coffee.)
2. A lua cheia estava linda ontem à noite. (The full moon was beautiful last night.)
3. A rua estava muito cheia de gente. (The street was very crowded/full of people.)
4. Minha mala está cheia de roupas. (My suitcase is full of clothes.)
5. A garrafa de água está cheia. (The water bottle is full.)

Continental Portuguese Examples:

1. A chávena está cheia de café. (The cup is full of coffee.)
2. A lua cheia estava linda ontem à noite. (The full moon was beautiful last night.)
3. A rua estava muito lotada. (The street was very crowded.)
4. A minha mala está cheia de roupa. (My suitcase is full of clothes.)
5. A garrafa de água está cheia. (The water bottle is full.)