vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "documentar" has the same meaning, spelling, and grammatical function in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only differences are found in pronunciation:

• Vowels: In Brazilian Portuguese, unstressed vowels (like the "e" in documentar) tend to be more open. In Continental Portuguese, these vowels are more "reduced" or closed, making the word sound shorter and more muffled.
• The "R" sound: At the end of the word, Brazilians (depending on the region) often pronounce the "r" as a soft, aspirated sound (similar to an "h") or a weak tap. In Portugal, the "r" is typically more distinct and often produced further back in the throat (uvular).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. A gente precisa documentar cada passo do processo. (We need to document every step of the process.)
2. Ele gosta de documentar a rotina dele no Instagram. (He likes to document his routine on Instagram.)
3. O cientista conseguiu documentar a existência da planta. (The scientist managed to document the existence of the plant.)
4. Você tem que documentar o ocorrido no relatório. (You have to document what happened in the report.)
5. Vamos documentar a nossa viagem com fotos. (We are going to document our trip with photos.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Nós precisamos documentar cada passo do processo. (We need to document every step of the process.)
2. Ele gosta de documentar o seu quotidiano no Instagram. (He likes to document his daily life on Instagram.)
3. O cientista conseguiu documentar a existência da planta. (The scientist managed to document the existence of the plant.)
4. Deves documentar o que aconteceu no relatório. (You must document what happened in the report.)
5. Vamos documentar a nossa viagem com fotografias. (We are going to document our trip with photographs.)