vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "escolhas" is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammar in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. It can function as a noun (the plural of escolha, meaning "choices") or as a verb (the second-person singular present subjunctive of escolher, meaning "that you choose").

The only difference lies in pronunciation.

• In Brazil: The vowels tend to be more open and clearly articulated. The rhythm is more "syllable-timed," meaning each syllable receives a more even amount of weight, giving the language a more musical quality.
• In Portugal: The vowels are more "reduced" or closed. Unstressed vowels are often swallowed or pronounced very softly, making the rhythm more "stress-timed." For example, the "e" in "escolhas" might be almost imperceptible to an untrained ear in Portugal.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Você tem muitas escolhas no menu. (You have many choices on the menu.)
2. Nossas escolhas definem nosso futuro. (Our choices define our future.)
3. Eu não gosto de ter tantas escolhas para fazer. (I don't like having so many choices to make.)
4. As escolhas dele foram muito difíceis. (His choices were very difficult.)
5. Faça boas escolhas! (Make good choices!)

Continental Portuguese Examples

Note: While the word "escolhas" remains the same, a Portuguese person would naturally use different pronouns (tu) and imperative forms (faz) in these contexts.

1. Tens muitas escolhas no menu. (You have many choices on the menu.)
2. As nossas escolhas definem o nosso futuro. (Our choices define our future.)
3. Não gosto de ter tantas escolhas para fazer. (I don't like having so many choices to make.)
4. As escolhas dele foram bastante erradas. (His choices were quite wrong.)
5. Faz boas escolhas! (Make good choices!)