vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the fundamental meaning and the spelling of the word "consumir" are identical in both variants, there are differences in the grammar of how the word is used in continuous actions and in the typical usage of synonymous verbs. Additionally, the spelling of words closely associated with "consumir" often differs due to accentuation rules.

• Grammar: In Brazilian Portuguese, the continuous aspect is formed using the gerund (consumindo). In Continental Portuguese, it is typically formed using the preposition "a" + the infinitive (a consumir).
• Typical Usage: While "consumir" is used in both, a Portuguese person is more likely to use the verb "gastar" (to spend/use) when referring to the consumption of fuel or money, whereas a Brazilian might use "consumir" or "gastar" interchangeably.
• Spelling: Related words often have different accents (e.g., Brazilian eletrônicos vs. Portuguese eletrónicos).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Este carro consome muita gasolina. (This car consumes a lot of gasoline.)
2. O trabalho está consumindo todo o meu tempo. (Work is consuming all my time.)
3. Não devemos consumir excesso de açúcar. (We shouldn't consume excess sugar.)
4. O fogo consumiu a floresta rapidamente. (The fire consumed the forest quickly.)
5. Eles consomem muitos produtos eletrônicos. (They consume many electronic products.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Este carro gasta muita gasolina. (This car uses a lot of gasoline.)
2. O trabalho está a consumir todo o meu tempo. (Work is consuming all my time.)
3. Não devemos consumir excesso de açúcar. (We shouldn't consume excess sugar.)
4. O fogo consumiu a floresta rapidamente. (The fire consumed the forest quickly.)
5. Eles consomem muitos produtos eletrónicos. (They consume many electronic products.)