vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the word "esportes" is understood in Portugal, there is a difference in typical usage. In Brazil, "esportes" is the standard, everyday term for physical competitions and activities. In Portugal, the much more common and natural term is "desporto" (singular) or "desportos" (plural). Using "esportes" in Portugal sounds distinctly Brazilian.

Additionally, there is a significant difference in pronunciation:

• Brazilian Portuguese: The vowels are more open, and in many dialects, the "te" is pronounced with a "ch" sound (e.g., es-por-tchis).
• Continental Portuguese: The vowels are much more closed and "swallowed," and the "t" remains a hard, dental sound (e.g., ish-pór-tu).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu gosto de praticar esportes no fim de semana. (I like to practice sports on the weekend.)
2. Quais são os seus esportes favoritos? (What are your favorite sports?)
3. O canal de esportes transmitiu o jogo ontem. (The sports channel broadcast the game yesterday.)
4. Ele é muito bom em vários esportes. (He is very good at various sports.)
5. Precisamos de mais investimentos em esportes de base. (We need more investment in grassroots sports.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Eu gosto de praticar desporto ao fim de semana. (I like to practice sports on the weekend.)
2. Quais são os teus desportos favoritos? (What are your favorite sports?)
3. O canal de desporto transmitiu o jogo ontem. (The sports channel broadcast the game yesterday.)
4. Ele é muito bom em vários desportos. (He is very good at various sports.)
5. Precisamos de mais investimentos no desporto. (We need more investment in sports.)