vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the dictionary meaning, spelling, and conjugation of the word "encantar" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese, the answer is "No" because there are significant differences in typical usage (syntax) and pronunciation.

• Usage (Syntax): The primary difference lies in where object pronouns are placed. In Brazilian Portuguese, it is natural and standard to use proclisis (placing the pronoun before the verb), such as "me encanta." In Continental Portuguese, the standard is enclisis (placing the pronoun after the verb), such as "encanta-me."
• Pronunciation: Brazilian Portuguese tends to have more open, unstressed vowels, whereas Continental Portuguese features much more frequent vowel reduction, making many unstressed vowels sound nearly closed or even silent.

Brazilian Portuguese (Natural Usage)

1. Eu me encantei com a beleza de Gramado. (I was enchanted by the beauty of Gramacy/Gramado.)
2. Esse perfume me encanta muito. (This perfume delights me very much.)
3. O show me encantou de verdade. (The show truly charmed me.)
4. A gente se encanta com a natureza. (We get enchanted by nature.)
5. O menino se encantou com o brinquedo. (The boy was enchanted by the toy.)

Continental Portuguese (Natural Usage)

1. Eu encantei-me com a beleza de Lisboa. (I was enchanted by the beauty of Lisbon.)
2. Este perfume encanta-me muito. (This perfume delights me very much.)
3. O espetáculo encantou-me de verdade. (The performance truly charmed me.)
4. Nós encantamo-nos com a natureza. (We were enchanted by nature.)
5. A criança encantou-se com o brinquedo. (The child was enchanted by the toy.)