vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the core definition of "gasting" (to spend or to wear out) is the same, there are differences in typical usage and syntax:

• Syntax: In Brazil, "gastar" is frequently followed by the gerund (e.g., gastar tempo estudando). In Portugal, the standard construction uses the preposition "a" followed by the infinitive (e.g., gastar tempo a estudar).
• Nuance and Synonymy: In Brazil, "gastar" is often used colloquially to mean "to waste" (desperdiçar). While understandable in Portugal, a Portuguese person is more likely to use "perder" (to lose) or "desperdiçar" (to waste) when referring to wasting time or opportunities.
• Contextual Vocabulary: When referring to "spending" a salary, Brazilians typically use salário, whereas Portuguese people naturally use ordenado.

Brazilian Portuguese

1. Eu gastei muito dinheiro na viagem. (I spent a lot of money on the trip.)
2. Não gaste seu tempo com isso. (Don't waste your time with this.)
3. Ela está gastando todo o salário. (She is spending her whole salary.)
4. O pneu do carro está muito gasto. (The car tire is very worn out.)
5. Você está gastando demais hoje! (You are being "too much" today!)

European Portuguese

1. Eu gastei muito dinheiro na viagem. (I spent a lot of money on the trip.)
2. Não percas tempo com isso. (Don't waste your time with this.)
3. Ela está a gastar todo o ordenado. (She is spending her whole salary.)
4. O pneu do carro está muito gasto. (The car tire is very worn out.)
5. Estás a gastar demasiado hoje! (You are spending too much today!)