vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the spelling, meaning, and grammatical identity (1st person plural, imperfect indicative of the verb estar) are identical, there are differences in typical usage and pronunciation.

In terms of usage, Brazilian Portuguese typically uses "estávamos" followed by a verb in the gerund (e.g., estávamos comendo), whereas Continental Portuguese uses the preposition "a" followed by the infinitive (e.g., estávamos a comer). Additionally, the pronunciation differs: Brazilian Portuguese features more open and distinct vowels, while Continental Portuguese tends to have more closed or "swallowed" unstressed vowels, making the word sound more condensed.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Estávamos no shopping ontem à tarde. (We were at the mall yesterday afternoon.)
2. Estávamos com muita fome depois da aula. (We were very hungry after class.)
3. Estávamos esperando o ônibus no ponto. (We were waiting for the bus at the stop.)
4. Estávamos assistindo a um filme muito legal. (We were watching a very cool movie.)
5. Estávamos conversando sobre o trabalho. (We were talking about work.)

Portuguese (Continental) Examples

1. Estávamos no centro comercial ontem à tarde. (We were at the shopping center yesterday afternoon.)
2. Estávamos com muita fome depois da aula. (We were very hungry after class.)
3. Estávamos à espera do autocarro na paragem. (We were waiting for the bus at the stop.)
4. Estávamos a ver um filme muito giro. (We were watching a very nice movie.)
5. Estávamos a falar sobre o trabalho. (We were talking about work.)