vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "construam" is identical in spelling, meaning, and grammatical function in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. It is the third-person plural form of the present subjunctive (or the imperative) of the verb construir (to build). The only difference lies in pronunciation:

• In Brazilian Portuguese, the final "-am" is typically pronounced with a more distinct, nasalized "w" sound (approximating /ɐ̃w/).
• In Continental Portuguese, the unstressed final "-am" is much more reduced and "swallowed," often sounding as if the "m" is merely a nasalization of the preceding vowel (approximating /ɐ̃/).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Espero que eles construam uma casa nova. (I hope they build a new house.)
2. É importante que construam o muro logo. (It is important that they build the wall soon.)
3. Quero que construam um prédio aqui. (I want them to build a building here.)
4. É preciso que construam algo resistente. (It is necessary that they build something resistant.)
5. Desejo que construam um futuro melhor para todos. (I wish that they build a better future for everyone.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Espero que construam uma moradia. (I hope they build a house.)
2. É necessário que construam o muro brevemente. (It is necessary that they build the wall shortly.)
3. Pretendo que construam um edifício neste terreno. (I intend for them to build a building on this land.)
4. É fundamental que construam bases sólidas. (It is fundamental that they build solid foundations.)
5. É imperativo que construam a estrutura conforme o projeto. (It is imperative that they build the structure according to the project.)