vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "cinza" is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammar in both Brazilian and European Portuguese. It functions as both a noun (meaning "ash") and an adjective (meaning the color "gray"). The only difference is pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels tend to be more open and clearly articulated. In European Portuguese, unstressed vowels are often more closed or "swallowed" (reduced), which can make the word sound shorter or more clipped to a Brazilian ear.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. O céu está ficando muito cinza hoje. (The sky is turning very gray today.)
2. Eu comprei um tênis cinza novo. (I bought a new gray sneaker.)
3. Restaram apenas cinzas da fogueira. (Only ashes remained from the bonfire.)
4. Ela gosta de usar roupas em tons de cinza. (She likes to wear clothes in shades of gray.)
5. O carro dele é cinza metálico. (His car is metallic gray.)

European Portuguese Examples

1. O céu está a ficar muito cinza hoje. (The sky is turning very gray today.)
2. Eu comprei uns ténis cinzas novos. (I bought some new gray sneakers.)
3. Restaram apenas cinzas da fogueira. (Only ashes remained from the bonfire.)
4. Ela gosta de usar roupas em tons de cinza. (She likes to wear clothes in shades of gray.)
5. O carro dele é cinza metálico. (His car is metallic gray.)