vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "empurrar" is identical in meaning, spelling, and core usage in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only differences lie in pronunciation and the grammatical construction used to express continuous actions.

• Pronunciation: In Continental Portuguese, vowels are much more reduced (often becoming nearly silent), and the "r" sound can be more guttural depending on the region. In Brazilian Portuguese, vowels are more open, and the rhythm of the word is more melodic and syllable-timed.
• Grammar (Syntactic Usage): While the verb itself is the same, the way it is used to describe an ongoing action differs. A Brazilian would naturally use the gerund (empurrando), whereas a Portuguese person would use the preposition "a" followed by the infinitive (a empurrar).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Não empurra a porta, ela é de puxar. (Don't push the door, it's a pull door.)
2. Ele estava empurrando o carro quando ele quebrou. (He was pushing the car when it broke down.)
3. Ela empurrou a responsabilidade para o colega. (She pushed the responsibility onto her colleague.)
4. O menino está empurrando o balanço. (The boy is pushing the swing.)
5. Não empurra as pessoas na fila! (Don't push people in line!)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Não empurres a porta, é para puxar. (Don't push the door, it is to pull.)
2. Ele estava a empurrar o carro quando este avariou. (He was pushing the car when it broke down.)
3. Ela empurrou a responsabilidade para o colega. (She pushed the responsibility onto her colleague.)
4. O rapaz está a empurrar o baloiço. (The boy is pushing the swing.)
5. Não empurres as pessoas na fila! (Don't push people in line!)