← Back to searchWord Index →

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

Yes

The only differences between the use of "finais" in Brazilian Portuguese and Continental Portuguese are in pronunciation. The spelling, grammar (it is the plural of the adjective final or the noun final), and meaning are identical.

The primary difference is phonetic. Brazilian Portuguese is a more syllable-timed language with more open and distinct vowels; therefore, the diphthong "ai" in "finais" is pronounced clearly and openly. Continental Portuguese is more stress-timed and features significant vowel reduction. In Portugal, the unstressed vowels are often "swallowed" or closed, which can make the word sound more clipped or shorter to a Brazilian ear.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. As notas finais do semestre já foram lançadas. (The final grades for the semester have already been posted.)
  2. Estou fazendo os ajustes finais no meu trabalho. (I am making the final adjustments to my work.) Note: Use of the gerund "fazendo".
  3. As fases finais do campeonato serão muito intensas. (The final stages of the championship will be very intense.)
  4. Ele prefere ler os capítulos finais de um livro primeiro. (He prefers to read the final chapters of a book first.)
  5. As decisões finais serão comunicadas amanhã. (The final decisions will be communicated tomorrow.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. As notas finais do semestre já foram lançadas. (The final grades for the semester have already been posted.)
  2. Estou a fazer os ajustes finais no meu trabalho. (I am making the final adjustments to my work.) Note: Use of "a + infinitive" instead of the gerund.
  3. As fases finais do campeonato serão muito intensas. (The final stages of the championship will be very intense.)
  4. Ele prefere ler os capítulos finais de um livro primeiro. (He prefers to read the final chapters of a book first.)
  5. As decisões finais serão comunicadas amanhã. (The final decisions will be communicated tomorrow.)