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

Yes

The meaning, grammar, spelling, and usage of "citar" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. It is used in three primary ways in both dialects:

  1. Academic/Literary: To quote a source or text.
  2. General/Conversational: To mention or name someone or something.
  3. Legal: To summon or notify someone of a legal proceeding (often used in the passive voice, e.g., "ser citado").

The only difference is the pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are generally more open and the rhythm is more melodic, whereas in Continental Portuguese, vowels are often more closed or reduced, and the stress patterns may sound more "staccato" to a Brazilian ear.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. Você esqueceu de citar o autor no seu trabalho. (You forgot to cite the author in your paper.)
  2. Não me cita nessa conversa, eu não quero problemas. (Don't mention me in this conversation, I don't want trouble.)
  3. O advogado pediu para citar a nova lei no processo. (The lawyer asked to cite the new law in the lawsuit.)
  4. Ele gosta de citar frases de filmes famosos para dar risada. (He likes to quote famous movie quotes to make people laugh.)
  5. O réu foi citado para comparecer ao tribunal amanhã. (The defendant was summoned to appear in court tomorrow.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. É fundamental citar as fontes bibliográficas corretamente. (It is fundamental to cite the bibliographic sources correctly.)
  2. Não me venhas citar esse assunto agora! (Don't come mentioning this subject to me now!)
  3. O juiz ordenou citar a testemunha para o julgamento. (The judge ordered to summon the witness for the trial.)
  4. O professor costuma citar exemplos práticos em aula. (The professor usually cites practical examples in class.)
  5. Gostaria de citar um detalhe que me parece importante. (I would like to mention a detail that seems important to me.)