vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

The difference is not in the spelling or the meaning of the word itself, but in its typical usage and pronunciation.

In Brazilian Portuguese, the gerund (dormindo) is the standard way to express a continuous action (an action happening right now). In Continental Portuguese, the gerund is rarely used for this purpose; instead, the construction a + infinitive (a dormir) is the natural way to express the same idea. Additionally, the pronunciation of vowels in Brazil tends to be more open and clear, while in Portugal, unstressed vowels are often reduced or "swallowed," making the word sound more closed.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Ele está dormindo no sofá. (He is sleeping on the sofa.)
2. Não faça barulho, o bebê está dormindo. (Don't make noise, the baby is sleeping.)
3. Eu passei o fim de semana dormindo. (I spent the weekend sleeping.)
4. Ele foi pego dormindo durante a reunião. (He was caught sleeping during the meeting.)
5. Você está dormindo demais ultimamente. (You are sleeping too much lately.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Ele está a dormir no sofá. (He is sleeping on the sofa.)
2. Não faças barulho, o bebé está a dormir. (Don't make noise, the baby is sleeping.)
3. Passei o fim de semana a dormir. (I spent the weekend sleeping.)
4. Ele foi apanhado a dormir durante a reunião. (He was caught sleeping during the meeting.)
5. Estás a dormir demasiado ultimamente. (You are sleeping too much lately.)