vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "esperava" is identical in spelling, meaning, and grammatical function in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference is pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are typically more open and the rhythm is more syllable-timed. In Continental Portuguese, vowels are often more closed or reduced (unstressed vowels can nearly disappear), resulting in a more stress-timed rhythm.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu esperava que você ligasse. (I was expecting you to call.)
2. Ela esperava o ônibus há muito tempo. (She was waiting for the bus for a long time.)
3. A gente não esperava esse resultado. (We weren't expecting this result.)
4. Eu esperava um presente mais legal. (I was hoping for a cooler gift.)
5. Ele esperava que tudo desse certo. (He was hoping everything would work out.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Eu esperava que tu ligasses. (I was expecting you to call.)
2. Ela aguardava o autocarro há muito tempo. (She was waiting for the bus for a long time.)
3. Nós não esperávamos este resultado. (We weren't expecting this result.)
4. Eu esperava um presente mais porreiro. (I was hoping for a cooler gift.)
5. Ele esperava que tudo corresse bem. (He was hoping everything would go well.)