vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The spelling, meaning, and grammatical function of "independente" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only differences lie in pronunciation:

• Vowel Reduction: In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels (such as the "e" in de or pen) are heavily reduced or even silenced, making the word sound much more compressed (closer to ind-pndnt). In Brazilian Portuguese, these unstressed vowels are much more audible and clearly pronounced.
• The Final Syllable: In most Brazilian dialects, the final "-te" is pronounced with a "chi" sound (like tchee). In Continental Portuguese, the final "-te" is a dental "t" with a very short, almost swallowed vowel.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Ela é uma mulher muito independente. (She is a very independent woman.)
2. Eu trabalho de forma independente. (I work independently.)
3. O Brasil é um país independente. (Brazil is an independent country.)
4. Ele busca ser um profissional independente. (He seeks to be an independent professional.)
5. Ela quer ser totalmente independente dos pais. (She wants to be totally independent of her parents.)

Portuguese (Portugal) Examples

1. Ela é uma mulher muito independente. (She is a very independent woman.)
2. Eu trabalho como trabalhador independente. (I work as an independent worker/self-employed.)
3. O Brasil é um país independente. (Brazil is an independent country.)
4. Ele procura ser um profissional independente. (He seeks to be an independent professional.)
5. Ela quer ser totalmente independente da família. (She wants to be totally independent of her family.)