vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the word "escorregar" is identical in spelling, meaning, and conjugation in both varieties of Portuguese, there are differences in pronunciation and typical usage.

In terms of pronunciation, Continental Portuguese (EP) features much more significant vowel reduction; the unstressed vowels in "escorregar" will sound much more closed or almost disappear compared to the more open and clearly articulated vowels in Brazilian Portuguese (BP). In terms of usage, the primary difference lies in syntax: a Brazilian would typically place object or reflexive pronouns before the verb (proclisis), whereas a Portuguese person would much more naturally place them after the verb (enclisis), such as "escorregou-me" instead of "me escorregou."

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Cuidado para não escorregar no chão molhado. (Be careful not to slip on the wet floor.)
2. Eu escorreguei na casca de banana. (I slipped on the banana peel.)
3. O carro escorregou no gelo. (The car slipped on the ice.)
4. A criança adora escorregar no escorrega. (The child loves to slide on the slide.)
5. O sabonete escorregou da minha mão. (The soap slipped from my hand.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Cuidado para não escorregar no chão molhado. (Be careful not to slip on the wet floor.)
2. Eu escorreguei na casca de banana. (I slipped on the banana peel.)
3. O carro escorregou no gelo. (The car slipped on the ice.)
4. A criança adora descer o escorrega. (The child loves to go down the slide.)
5. O sabonete escorregou-me da mão. (The soap slipped from my hand.)