vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the spelling and core meaning of "continua" (to continue) are identical in both dialects, there is a significant difference in grammatical usage regarding how the verb is paired with subsequent actions.

In Brazilian Portuguese, "continua" is typically followed by the gerund (the -ando, -endo, or -indo form) to express an ongoing process. In European Portuguese, the standard construction uses the preposition "a" followed by the infinitive form of the verb.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

1. Ele continua trabalhando muito. (He continues working a lot.)
2. A situação continua piorando. (The situation continues to get worse.)
3. Você continua morando no mesmo lugar? (Do you continue living in the same place?)
4. A chuva continua caindo sem parar. (The rain continues falling without stopping.)
5. Ela continua estudando para a prova. (She continues studying for the exam.)

European Portuguese Examples:

1. Ele continua a trabalhar muito. (He continues to work a lot.)
2. A situação continua a piorar. (The situation continues to get worse.)
3. Tu continuas a morar no mesmo sítio? (Do you continue living in the same place?)
4. A chuva continua a cair sem parar. (The rain continues to fall without stopping.)
5. Ela continua a estudar para o exame. (She continues studying for the exam.)