Is the word costumar the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?
No
While the core meaning and spelling of "costumar" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese, there is a significant difference in grammar and usage.
In Brazilian Portuguese, the verb is typically used directly with an infinitive (e.g., costumar fazer). In Continental Portuguese, it is much more common and natural to use the preposition "a" before the infinitive (e.g., costumar a fazer). Additionally, there are differences in pronunciation: Brazilian Portuguese tends to have more open vowels and a more melodic, syllable-timed rhythm, whereas Continental Portuguese features more closed, reduced vowels and a stress-timed rhythm.
Brazilian Portuguese Examples
- Eu costumo ler antes de dormir. (I usually read before sleeping.)
- Nós costumamos ir à praia no verão. (We usually go to the beach in the summer.)
- Ela não costuma chegar tarde. (She doesn't usually arrive late.)
- Você costuma praticar esporte? (Do you usually practice sports?)
- Eles costumavam morar aqui. (They used to live here.)
Continental Portuguese Examples
- Eu costumo a ler antes de dormir. (I usually read before sleeping.)
- Nós costumamos a ir à praia no verão. (We usually go to the beach in the summer.)
- Ela não costuma a chegar tarde. (She doesn't usually arrive late.)
- Tu costumas a praticar desporto? (Do you usually practice sports?)
- Eles costumavam a morar aqui. (They used to live here.)
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· BR vs PT Word Differences