vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

The difference between the two variants is primarily found in spelling and pronunciation. Following the Orthographic Agreement, the "c" in the word is silent in Continental Portuguese. Therefore, in Portugal, it is spelled and pronounced as detetar. In Brazil, the "c" is pronounced, so the spelling remains detectar. There is no difference in the fundamental meaning of the word.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. O sensor detectou movimento no quintal. (The sensor detected movement in the backyard.)
2. Os médicos conseguiram detectar a doença precocemente. (The doctors managed to detect the disease early.)
3. O software detectou um vírus no computador. (The software detected a virus on the computer.)
4. É muito difícil detectar mentiras apenas pelo olhar. (It is very difficult to detect lies just by looking.)
5. A polícia detectou um erro na contagem dos votos. (The police detected an error in the vote count.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. O sensor detetou movimento no jardim. (The sensor detected movement in the garden.)
2. Os médicos conseguiram detetar a doença precocemente. (The doctors managed to detect the disease early.)
3. O software detetou um vírus no computador. (The software detected a virus on the computer.)
4. É muito difícil detetar mentiras apenas pelo olhar. (It is very difficult to detect lies just by looking.)
5. A polícia detetou um erro na contagem dos votos. (The police detected an error in the vote count.)