vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "devem" is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammatical function (the third-person plural of the verb dever) in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The differences are limited to pronunciation and the syntactic construction that typically follows the verb:

• Pronunciation: In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are generally more open and clearly articulated. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels are frequently reduced or even elided, meaning the "e" may become nearly silent, making the word sound closer to "d'vem."
• Usage (Construction): While the word itself doesn't change, the way it is used to express continuous or ongoing actions differs. A Brazilian would typically follow "devem" with a gerund (devem estar estudando), whereas a Portuguese person would typically use the preposition "a" + the infinitive (devem estar a estudar).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

1. Eles devem chegar logo. (They should arrive soon.)
2. Eles devem muito dinheiro ao banco. (They owe a lot of money to the bank.)
3. Eles devem estar estudando para a prova. (They must be studying for the test.)
4. Eles devem pegar o ônibus agora. (They must catch the bus now.)
5. Eles devem estar em casa. (They must be at home.)

Continental Portuguese Examples:

1. Eles devem chegar brevemente. (They should arrive shortly.)
2. Eles devem muito dinheiro ao banco. (They owe a lot of money to the bank.)
3. Eles devem estar a estudar para o exame. (They must be studying for the exam.)
4. Eles devem apanhar o autocarro agora. (They must catch the bus now.)
5. Eles devem estar por casa. (They must be at home.)