vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the core meaning of "gravar" (to record, to engrave, or to memorize) is identical in both dialects, there are significant differences in grammar and typical usage surrounding the word.

• Grammar: In Brazil, the continuous aspect of the verb is formed using the gerund (gravando). In Portugal, the construction uses the preposition a followed by the infinitive (a gravar). Additionally, the second-person pronoun and conjugation differ (Brazil uses você/conseguiu; Portugal uses tu/conseguiste).
• Typical Usage: When using the verb to mean "to memorize," Brazilians typically use the idiom "gravar de cabeça" (to record in the head), whereas Portuguese people more commonly use "gravar de cor" (to record by heart).
• Vocabulary context: While "gravar" is the same, the nouns surrounding it often change; for example, a film "director" is diretor in Brazil but realizador in Portugal.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu estou gravando um podcast agora. (I am recording a podcast right now.)
2. Você gravou a aula inteira? (Did you record the whole class?)
3. Ele gravou o nome na medalha de ouro. (He engraved the name on the gold medal.)
4. Eu gravei o endereço de cabeça. (I memorized the address by heart.)
5. O diretor está gravando a cena agora. (The director is recording the scene now.)

Portuguese (Continental) Examples

1. Eu estou a gravar um podcast agora. (I am recording a podcast right now.)
2. Tu gravaste a aula inteira? (Did you record the whole class?)
3. Ele gravou o nome na medalha de ouro. (He engraved the name on the gold medal.)
4. Eu gravei o endereço de cor. (I memorized the address by heart.)
5. O realizador está a gravar a cena agora. (The director is recording the scene now.)