vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The spelling, meaning, and grammatical rules for "contém" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only differences are found in pronunciation, specifically regarding the prosody and the treatment of unstressed vowels in the surrounding sentence. In Brazilian Portuguese, unstressed vowels are typically more clearly articulated and "open," whereas in Continental Portuguese, there is a much higher tendency toward vowel reduction or even the complete omission of unstressed vowels (apocope/syncope), which affects the rhythmic flow of the word within a phrase.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. O suco contém muita vitamina C. (The juice contains a lot of vitamin C.)
2. Este pacote contém um presente. (This package contains a gift.)
3. O celular contém muitos aplicativos. (The cell phone contains many apps.)
4. A maleta contém documentos importantes. (The briefcase contains important documents.)
5. O bolo contém bastante açúcar. (The cake contains a lot of sugar.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. O sumo contém muita vitamina C. (The juice contains a lot of vitamin C.)
2. Esta encomenda contém um presente. (This delivery contains a gift.)
3. O telemóvel contém muitas aplicações. (The mobile phone contains many apps.)
4. A mala contém documentos importantes. (The suitcase contains important documents.)
5. O bolo contém bastante açúcar. (The cake contains a lot of sugar.)