vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The spelling, meaning, and grammatical gender of "formiga" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference is in pronunciation: Brazilian Portuguese tends to have more open, clearly articulated vowels, whereas Continental Portuguese features significant vowel reduction, making unstressed vowels sound much shorter or nearly silent.

Brazilian Portuguese Example Sentences

1. Tem uma formiga subindo na mesa. (There is an ant climbing on the table.)
2. As formigas estão levando o açúcar para o formigueiro. (The ants are taking the sugar to the anthill.)
3. Eu vi uma formiga bem pequena no meu braço. (I saw a very small ant on my arm.)
4. Cuidado para não pisar na formiga! (Be careful not to step on the ant!)
5. As formigas estão comendo o doce que caiu no chão. (The ants are eating the sweet that fell on the ground.)

Continental Portuguese Example Sentences

1. Há uma formiga a subir na mesa. (There is an ant climbing on the table.)
2. As formigas estão a levar o açúcar para o formigueiro. (The ants are taking the sugar to the anthill.)
3. Eu vi uma formiga muito pequena no meu braço. (I saw a very small ant on my arm.)
4. Tem cuidado para não pisares na formiga! (Be careful not to step on the ant!)
5. As formigas estão a comer o doce que caiu no chão. (The ants are eating the sweet that fell on the ground.)