vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "estudou" is identical in meaning, grammar, and spelling in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. It is the third-person singular of the verb estudar in the pretérito perfeito do indicativo (past tense). The only difference lies in pronunciation:

• Brazilian Portuguese: The vowels are generally more "open" and clearly articulated. The "e" in the unstressed syllable is pronounced clearly as /e/.
• Continental Portuguese: Unstressed vowels are often "reduced" or "closed." The "e" in the syllable "es-" often sounds like a very short, neutralized vowel (similar to the "e" in "the" in English) or even disappears into a soft "sh" sound (/ɨʃ.tu.'du/).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Ele estudou muito para a prova. (He studied a lot for the exam.)
2. Ela estudou medicina na USP. (She studied medicine at USP.)
3. O menino estudou ontem à noite. (The boy studied last night.)
4. Maria estudou português por dois anos. (Maria studied Portuguese for two years.)
5. Ele estudou o contrato com muita atenção. (He studied the contract with a lot of attention.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Ele estudou muito para o exame. (He studied a lot for the exam.)
2. Ela estudou medicina na Universidade de Coimbra. (She studied medicine at the University of Coimbra.)
3. O rapaz estudou ontem à noite. (The boy studied last night.)
4. A Maria estudou português durante dois anos. (Maria studied Portuguese for two years.)
5. Ele estudou o contrato com todo o cuidado. (He studied the contract with all the care.)