vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The spelling, meaning, and grammar of the word "duração" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, the nasal vowels (like the "ã" in "duração") tend to be more open and resonant, and the rhythm of the word follows the more melodic, syllable-timed cadence of Brazilian speech. In Continental Portuguese, vowels—especially unstressed ones—are often more closed or even elided (reduced), making the word sound more clipped or "shorter" to an untrained ear.

Brazilian Portuguese

These examples use the word "duração" as it would naturally appear in Brazilian contexts (such as official announcements, instructions, or formal speech).

1. A duração do evento foi de três horas. (The duration of the event was three hours.)
2. Verifique a duração do seu plano de dados. (Check the duration of your data plan.)
3. A duração do curso é de seis meses. (The duration of the course is six months.)
4. Qual é a duração da palestra de hoje? (What is the duration of today's lecture?)
5. A duração da bateria é muito limitada. (The battery life/duration is very limited.)

Portuguese (Continental)

These examples express the same ideas using the natural phrasing and vocabulary a person in Portugal would typically use (often opting for the verb "durar" or "demorar" rather than the noun "duração").

1. O evento durou três horas. (The event lasted three hours.)
2. Vê quanto tempo dura o teu plano. (Check how long your plan lasts.)
3. O curso dura seis meses. (The course lasts six months.)
4. Quanto tempo é a palestra de hoje? (How long is today's lecture?)
5. A bateria dura pouco. (The battery life is short/lasts little.)