vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the primary meaning of "contos" (short stories or tales) and its spelling are identical in both varieties, there are differences in usage and grammatical context:

• Usage/Meaning: In Brazil, "contos" is used colloquially as slang to refer to "thousands" of a currency (e.g., "dois contos" meaning 2,000). This usage is not found in Portugal.
• Grammar/Syntax: While the word itself does not change, the way it is used in sentences regarding object pronouns differs. Brazilians typically use proclisis (placing pronouns before the verb, e.g., "me contou contos"), whereas Portuguese people naturally use enclisis (placing pronouns after the verb, e.g., "contou-me contos"). Additionally, the construction of the continuous tense differs.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

1. Eu adoro ler contos de suspense. (I love reading suspense stories.)
2. Ela me contou contos de fadas ontem. (She told me fairy tales yesterday.)
3. O autor publicou novos contos no jornal. (The author published new short stories in the newspaper.)
4. Aquele carro custou cinco contos. (That car cost five thousand.)
5. Eles estão inventando contos para as crianças. (They are making up tales for the children.)

European Portuguese Examples:

1. Eu adoro ler contos de suspense. (I love reading suspense stories.)
2. Ela contou-me contos de fadas ontem. (She told me fairy tales yesterday.)
3. O autor publicou novos contos no jornal. (The author published new short stories in the newspaper.)
4. Aquele carro custou cinco mil euros. (That car cost five thousand euros.)
5. Eles estão a inventar contos para as crianças. (They are making up tales for the children.)