vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

Is the word de novo the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No

While the spelling and the core definition are the same, there is a difference in typical usage and nuance, as well as pronunciation.

• Usage and Nuance: In Brazil, "de novo" is the standard, everyday way to express "again" (simple repetition). In Portugal, while "de novo" is used, it often carries a more specific nuance of "anew" or "from scratch" (starting a process over from a new state). For simple repetition, a Portuguese person is much more likely to use the phrase "outra vez."
• Pronunciation: Brazilian Portuguese tends to have more open, melodic vowels. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels are much more "closed" or reduced, which makes the word sound shorter and more muffled to Brazilian ears.
• Grammar: When expressing the same idea, the surrounding grammatical structures also change. Brazilians naturally use the gerund (e.g., fazendo), whereas Portuguese people use the prepositional infinitive (e.g., a fazer).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu tenho que fazer isso de novo. (I have to do this again.)
2. Você está fazendo isso de novo? (Are you doing this again?)
3. Vamos tentar de novo. (Let's try again.)
4. Ele quebrou o brinquedo de novo. (He broke the toy again.)
5. Eu li esse livro de novo. (I read this book again.)

Portuguese (Portugal) Examples

1. Eu tenho de fazer isto outra vez. (I have to do this again.)
2. Estás a fazer isto outra vez? (Are you doing this again?)
3. Vamos tentar outra vez. (Let's try again.)
4. Ele partiu o brinquedo outra vez. (He broke the toy again.)
5. Eu li este livro outra vez. (I read this book again.)