vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "contaminar" is identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese in terms of meaning, spelling, and grammar. The only difference lies in pronunciation (specifically, the way unstressed vowels are pronounced) and the grammatical constructions used when expressing continuous actions. While a Brazilian would use the gerund (contaminando), a Portuguese person would typically use the preposition "a" followed by the infinitive (a contaminar).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. O lixo está contaminando o solo. (The trash is contaminating the soil.)
2. O vírus começou a contaminar a população. (The virus began to infect the population.)
3. Não deixe essa ideia contaminar sua mente. (Don't let this idea taint your mind.)
4. O óleo contaminou o rio inteiro. (The oil contaminated the entire river.)
5. Cuidado para não contaminar o ferimento. (Be careful not to contaminate the wound.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. O lixo está a contaminar o solo. (The trash is contaminating the soil.)
2. O vírus começou a contaminar a população. (The virus began to infect the population.)
3. Não deixes que essa ideia te contamine. (Don't let that idea contaminate you.)
4. O óleo contaminou o rio inteiro. (The oil contaminated the entire river.)
5. Tem cuidado para não contaminares a ferida. (Be careful not to contaminate the wound.)