vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "distância" is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammar in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation:

• Brazilian Portuguese: The vowels are more "open" and clearly articulated. The unstressed "i" in the second syllable is pronounced distinctly.
• Continental Portuguese: The vowels are much more "closed" and subject to reduction. Unstressed vowels are often shortened or nearly swallowed, making the word sound more clipped and the "i" much more subtle.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. A distância entre as duas cidades é muito grande. (The distance between the two cities is very large.)
2. Ele sempre mantém uma distância de segurança. (He always maintains a safety distance.)
3. Não há muita distância para chegar ao destino. (There isn't much distance to reach the destination.)
4. A distância percorrida no treino foi de dez quilômetros. (The distance traveled in training was ten kilometers.)
5. É difícil manter distância de um problema assim. (It is difficult to keep distance from a problem like this.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. A distância entre as duas cidades é considerável. (The distance between the two cities is considerable.)
2. Ele mantém sempre uma distância de segurança. (He always maintains a safety distance.)
3. Não há muita distância até ao fim da estrada. (There isn't much distance until the end of the road.)
4. A distância percorrida no treino foi de dez quilómetros. (The distance traveled in training was ten kilometers.)
5. É difícil manter distância de pessoas complicadas. (It is difficult to keep distance from complicated people.)