vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes.

The spelling, meaning, and grammatical function of "desinfetem" (the third-person plural present subjunctive or imperative of the verb desinfetar) are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only differences are phonetic: Brazilian Portuguese tends to pronounce unstressed vowels more clearly, while Continental Portuguese features significant vowel reduction, often making unstressed vowels sound very short or nearly silent.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Espero que eles desinfetem as superfícies. (I hope they disinfect the surfaces.)
2. É importante que desinfetem as maçanetas. (It is important that they disinfect the doorknobs.)
3. Peço que desinfetem os brinquedos. (I ask that they disinfect the toys.)
4. É necessário que desinfetem a cozinha. (It is necessary that they disinfect the kitchen.)
5. Recomendo que desinfetem o equipamento. (I recommend that they disinfect the equipment.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Espero que eles desinfetem as superfícies. (I hope they disinfect the surfaces.)
2. É importante que desinfetem os puxadores. (It is important that they disinfect the handles/doorknobs.)
3. Peço que desinfetem os brinquedos. (I ask that they disinfect the toys.)
4. É necessário que desinfetem a cozinha. (It is necessary that they disinfect the kitchen.)
5. Recomendo que desinfetem o material. (I recommend that they disinfect the material.)