vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

The word "formar" shares the same core meaning in both dialects (to form, to shape, or to graduate). However, there are significant differences in grammar and typical usage regarding how the word is applied in a sentence:

• Grammar (Clitic Placement): In Brazil, it is standard to use proclisis, placing the reflexive pronoun before the verb (e.g., se formou). In Portugal, enclisis is the standard, placing the pronoun after the verb (e.g., formou-se).
• Usage (Verbal Aspect): When expressing an ongoing action (the continuous tense), Brazilians typically use the gerund (formando). Portuguese people typically use the construction "a" + infinitive (a formar).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu me formei no ano passado. (I graduated last year.)
2. Ela se formou em medicina muito cedo. (She graduated in medicine very early.)
3. Nós estamos nos formando este semestre. (We are graduating this semester.)
4. Você já se formou? (Have you graduated yet?)
5. Eles se formaram na USP. (They graduated from USP.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Eu formei-me no ano passado. (I graduated last year.)
2. Ela formou-se em medicina muito cedo. (She graduated in medicine very early.)
3. Nós estamos a formar-nos este semestre. (We are graduating this semester.)
4. Tu já te formaste? (Have you graduated yet?)
5. Eles formaram-se na Universidade de Coimbra. (They graduated from the University of Coimbra.)