vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word is identical in meaning, grammar, and spelling. The only differences are phonetic:

• Sibilance: In Brazilian Portuguese, the "s" at the end of a syllable (as in despesas) is typically pronounced as a soft [s], similar to the "s" in "sun." In Continental Portuguese, this "s" is often pronounced as [ʃ], similar to the "sh" in "she."
• Vowel Reduction: Brazilian Portuguese tends to have more open, clearly articulated vowels. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels are often "reduced" or shortened, making the word sound more closed or clipped.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Preciso controlar minhas despesas mensais. (I need to control my monthly expenses.)
2. As despesas com o cartão de crédito estão muito altas. (Credit card expenses are very high.)
3. Eu anoto todas as minhas despesas num aplicativo. (I write down all my expenses in an app.)
4. As despesas de viagem vão aumentar este ano. (Travel expenses are going to increase this year.)
5. Ele não tem dinheiro para cobrir as despesas. (He doesn't have money to cover the expenses.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. As despesas domésticas estão a subir. (Household expenses are rising.)
2. Temos de reduzir as despesas de casa. (We have to reduce household expenses.)
3. As despesas com a eletricidade tornaram-se um problema. (Electricity expenses became a problem.)
4. Ele tem dificuldade em gerir as suas despesas. (He has difficulty managing his expenses.)
5. Fiz uma lista de todas as despesas do mês. (I made a list of all the expenses of the month.)