vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "cotovelo" is identical in spelling, meaning, and grammar in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation. In Brazil, the vowels tend to be more open, and the rhythm of speech is more syllable-timed (each syllable receives roughly equal weight). In Portugal, unstressed vowels are often reduced or "swallowed," and the rhythm is more stress-timed, making the word sound more clipped.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu bati o cotovelo na quina da mesa. (I hit my elbow on the corner of the table.)
2. O meu cotovelo está doendo muito. (My elbow is hurting a lot.)
3. Não coloque o cotovelo na mesa durante o jantar. (Don't put your elbow on the table during dinner.)
4. Ele deu um encontrão e bateu o cotovelo. (He bumped into something and hit his elbow.)
5. Eu tenho uma tatuagem bem no cotovelo. (I have a tattoo right on the elbow.)

Portuguese (Portugal) Examples

1. Bati com o cotovelo na quina da mesa. (I hit my elbow on the corner of the table.)
2. O meu cotovelo está a doer muito. (My elbow is hurting a lot.)
3. Não ponhas o cotovelo na mesa durante o jantar. (Don't put your elbow on the table during dinner.)
4. Ele deu um encontrão e bateu com o cotovelo. (He bumped into something and hit his elbow.)
5. Tenho uma tatuagem mesmo no cotovelo. (I have a tattoo right on the elbow.)