vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes.

The word "espécies" is identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese in terms of spelling, grammar, and meaning. It can refer to biological classifications (species) or to various types/kinds of things. The only difference lies in pronunciation:

• Brazilian Portuguese: The unstressed vowels tend to be more open and clearly articulated.
• Continental Portuguese: The unstressed vowels are much more reduced and "closed." In the word "espécies," a Portuguese person will pronounce the "e" much more subtly, often sounding closer to an "i" to an untrained ear.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

In Brazil, it is very common to use the verb "ter" (to have) to express the existence of something, whereas in formal writing, "existir" or "haver" is used.

1. Tem muitas espécies de pássaros na Amazônia. (There are many species of birds in the Amazon.)
2. Eu vi várias espécies de insetos no jardim. (I saw various species of insects in the garden.)
3. Existem espécies de plantas que só crescem aqui. (There are species of plants that only grow here.)
4. A gente encontrou espécies novas de peixes no rio. (We found new species of fish in the river.)
5. Tem várias espécies de árvores nessa floresta. (There are various species of trees in this forest.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

In Portugal, the verb "haver" or "existir" is more naturally used to denote existence, and formal structures like the passive voice are more common in natural speech.

1. Há diversas espécies de aves nesta região. (There are diverse species of birds in this region.)
2. Encontram-se várias espécies de flores no jardim. (Various species of flowers are found in the garden.)
3. Existem espécies que estão em perigo de extinção. (There are species that are in danger of extinction.)
4. Esta coleção inclui várias espécies de conchas. (This collection includes various species of shells.)
5. Estudei várias espécies de bactérias na universidade. (I studied various species of bacteria at the university.)