vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the spelling and the core meaning of the word "formaram" are identical in both dialects, there are differences in its grammatical usage and typical usage within a sentence. Specifically, in Brazilian Portuguese, when the verb is used reflexively (to "graduate"), the pronoun "se" typically precedes the verb (proclisis: se formaram). In Continental Portuguese, the pronoun follows the verb (enclisis: formaram-se). Additionally, the typical usage often involves different surrounding vocabulary (such as time in Brazil vs. equipa in Portugal). There is also a significant difference in pronunciation, as Brazilian Portuguese features more open vowels, whereas Continental Portuguese features more vowel reduction.

Brazilian Portuguese usage:

1. Eles se formaram ontem. (They graduated yesterday.)
2. Eles formaram um time de futebol. (They formed a football team.)
3. Os alunos se formaram na faculdade. (The students graduated from college.)
4. Eles formaram um grupo de estudos. (They formed a study group.)
5. Meus amigos se formaram este ano. (My friends graduated this year.)

Continental Portuguese usage:

1. Eles formaram-se ontem. (They graduated yesterday.)
2. Eles formaram uma equipa de futebol. (They formed a football team.)
3. Os alunos terminaram o curso na faculdade. (The students finished their degree at college.)
4. Eles formaram um grupo de estudos. (They formed a study group.)
5. Os meus amigos formaram-se este ano. (My friends graduated this year.)