vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the spelling and the core meaning of "divirta" (a conjugation of the verb divertir) are identical in both dialects, the typical usage and the grammar surrounding the word differ significantly.

The primary differences are:

• Pronoun Placement (Clitics): In Brazilian Portuguese, it is very common in natural, informal speech to use proclisis (placing the reflexive pronoun se before the verb), even without a grammatical trigger (e.g., "Se divirta!"). In Continental Portuguese, enclisis (placing the pronoun after the verb) is the standard for commands (e.g., "Divirta-se!").
• Person/Address: Brazilians frequently use "você" (which uses the 3rd person divirta) for both formal and informal situations. Portuguese people frequently use "tu" for informal situations, which requires changing the verb conjugation to "divirtas."
• Pronunciation: Brazilian Portuguese tends to have more "open" and clearly articulated vowels, whereas Continental Portuguese often features "vowel reduction," where unstressed vowels are much more closed or neutralized.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Espero que você se divirta na festa! (I hope you have fun at the party!)
2. Tomara que ele se divirta muito no feriado. (I hope he has a lot of fun on the holiday.)
3. Não quero que você se divirta demais com esse jogo. (I don't want you to have too much fun with this game.)
4. Se divirta muito hoje! (Have lots of fun today! — Note the informal pronoun placement)
5. Quero que a criança se divirta no parque. (I want the child to have fun at the park.)

European Portuguese Examples

1. Espero que te divirtas na festa! (I hope you have fun at the party! — Note the use of "tu")
2. Espero que ele se divirta muito no feriado. (I hope he has a lot of fun on the holiday.)
3. Não quero que te divirtas demasiado com esse jogo. (I don't want you to have too much fun with this game. — Note "demasiado" instead of "demais")
4. Divirta-se muito hoje! (Have lots of fun today! — Note the standard enclisis)
5. Quero que a criança se divirta no parque. (I want the child to have fun at the park.)