vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the fundamental meanings of "embalam" (to wrap, to cradle, or to sway) are identical in both dialects, there is a difference in typical usage. In Brazilian Portuguese, "embalar" is frequently used in an informal or slang context to mean "to hype up," "to excite," or "to drive the energy of" a crowd or event. In European Portuguese, this usage is much less common; a Portuguese person would naturally use verbs like animar or agitation to express that same sense of energy or excitement.

Brazilian Portuguese

1. Essas músicas embalam a galera. (These songs get the crowd hyped.)
2. Eles embalam os presentes com cuidado. (They wrap the gifts carefully.)
3. As canções de ninar embalam os bebês. (Lullabies rock the babies to sleep.)
4. Essas batidas embalam a pista de dança. (These beats drive the dance floor.)
5. Os funcionários embalam as encomendas. (The employees pack the orders.)

European Portuguese

1. Essas músicas animam a malta. (These songs get the crowd going.)
2. Eles embalam os presentes com cuidado. (They wrap the gifts carefully.)
3. As canções de ninar embalam os bebés. (Lullabies rock the babies to sleep.)
4. Essas batidas agitam a pista de dança. (These beats agitate/drive the dance floor.)
5. Os funcionários embalam as encomendas. (The employees pack the orders.)