vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammatical conjugation in both Brazilian and European Portuguese. The only difference is in pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are generally more open and clearly articulated. In Continental (European) Portuguese, unstressed vowels tend to be more "closed" or even reduced (almost silent), which makes the word sound more clipped or shortened to a Brazilian ear.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

1. Ele desconfiou do comportamento dela. (He suspected her behavior.)
2. A polícia desconfiou do carro parado na rua. (The police suspected the car parked on the street.)
3. Ninguém desconfiou que havia um erro no sistema. (No one suspected there was an error in the system.)
4. Ela desconfiou do presente misterioso. (She grew suspicious of the mysterious gift.)
5. O cachorro desconfiou do estranho. (The dog grew suspicious of the stranger.)

European Portuguese Examples:

1. Ele desconfiou do comportamento dela. (He suspected her behavior.)
2. A polícia desconfiou do automóvel parado na rua. (The police suspected the car parked on the street.)
3. Ninguém desconfiou que havia um erro no sistema. (No one suspected there was an error in the system.)
4. Ela desconfiou do presente misterioso. (She grew suspicious of the mysterious gift.)
5. O cão desconfiou do estranho. (The dog grew suspicious of the stranger.)