vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the meaning and spelling of "esgotar" are identical in both dialects, the answer is "No" due to differences in grammar (specifically clitic placement) and typical usage involving surrounding vocabulary. In Brazilian Portuguese, when using the verb reflexively or in the middle voice (e.g., "to run out"), it is common to use proclisis (placing the pronoun before the verb), such as "se esgotou." In Continental Portuguese, the standard is enclisis (placing the pronoun after the verb), such as "esgotou-se." Additionally, the nouns associated with "esgotar" often differ (e.g., ingresso vs. bilhete).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Os ingressos para o show esgotaram rápido. (The concert tickets sold out fast.)

2. Eu estou muito esgotado hoje. (I am very exhausted today.)

3. O estoque de leite se esgotou. (The milk stock ran out.)

4. Ele esgotou a paciência da mãe. (He exhausted his mother's patience.)

5. A bateria do celular se esgotou. (The cell phone battery ran out.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Os bilhetes para o espetáculo esgotaram rápido. (The show tickets sold out fast.)

2. Estou muito esgotado hoje. (I am very exhausted today.)

3. O stock de leite esgotou-se. (The milk stock ran out.)

4. Ele esgotou a paciência da mãe. (He exhausted his mother's patience.)

5. A bateria do telemóvel esgotou-se. (The mobile phone battery ran out.)