vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The differences between "depender" in Brazilian and Continental Portuguese are almost entirely phonetic. There are no differences in spelling, grammar, or the fundamental meaning of the word.

The primary differences lie in pronunciation:

• Vowel Reduction/Opening: In Brazilian Portuguese, unstressed vowels are often more open, or they undergo "vowel reduction" where the "e" in the middle of the word may sound like a short "i" (e.g., de-pin-der). In Continental Portuguese, vowels are much more closed and often heavily reduced, sometimes sounding almost swallowed or disappearing entirely.
• The "d" sound: In many Brazilian dialects, the "d" can be slightly more softened or palatalized, whereas in Portugal, it is a very distinct dental "d" (where the tongue touches the teeth).
• The "r" sound: In Brazil, the final "r" can be retroflex (like an American English "r" in certain regions), glottal, or a flap. In Portugal, the "r" is typically a light alveolar tap.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Depende de você. (It depends on you.)
2. Isso depende do seu esforço. (That depends on your effort.)
3. A gente depende muito do clima para a colheita. (We depend a lot on the weather for the harvest.)
4. Depende do que você decidir fazer. (It depends on what you decide to do.)
5. Tudo depende do orçamento disponível. (Everything depends on the available budget.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Depende de ti. (It depends on you.)
2. Isso depende do teu esforço. (That depends on your effort.)
3. Nós dependemos muito do tempo para a colheita. (We depend a lot on the weather for the harvest.)
4. Depende do que tu decidires. (It depends on what you decide.)
5. Tudo depende do orçamento disponível. (Everything depends on the available budget.)