vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes.

The word is identical in spelling, meaning, and grammar in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The differences are found in pronunciation and typical usage regarding the preposition it governs.

• Pronunciation: In Brazilian Portuguese, the initial "e" is pronounced as a clear, open vowel [e]. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels are highly reduced, meaning the "e" sounds much more like a closed, almost silent "i" [ɨ].
• Usage: While the verb is the same, the preposition used after it varies by region. Brazilians typically use "escapar de" (e.g., escapar de um problema), whereas Portuguese speakers more naturally use "escapar a" (e.g., escapar a um problema).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. O gato escapou pela janela. (The cat escaped through the window.)
2. Essa ideia me escapou por um instante. (That idea escaped me for a moment.)
3. Ele escapou de uma situação muito difícil. (He escaped from a very difficult situation.)
4. O segredo acabou escapando. (The secret ended up leaking.)
5. Quase escapei do trânsito pesado. (I almost escaped the heavy traffic.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. O gato escapou pela janela. (The cat escaped through the window.)
2. Fugiu-me à memória por um instante. (It slipped my mind for a moment.)
3. Ele escapou a uma situação muito difícil. (He escaped a very difficult situation.)
4. O segredo acabou por sair à luz. (The secret ended up coming to light.)
5. Quase me livrei do trânsito intenso. (I almost escaped the intense traffic.)