vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the word "indicar" is identical in its meaning, spelling, and conjugation, there are differences in typical usage (specifically regarding syntax/pronoun placement) and pronunciation.

• Typical Usage (Syntax): In Brazil, it is natural and common to place object pronouns before the verb (e.g., "me indica"). In Portugal, the standard usage is to place the pronoun after the verb (e.g., "indica-me").
• Pronunciation: Brazilian Portuguese features more open, clearly articulated vowels. Continental Portuguese is characterized by "vowel reduction," where unstressed vowels are often shortened or nearly swallowed, making the word sound more clipped.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Você pode me indicar um restaurante legal? (Can you recommend a cool restaurant to me?)
2. O médico me indicou um novo remédio. (The doctor recommended a new medicine to me.)
3. Me indica um filme bom para assistir hoje? (Recommend a good movie for me to watch today?)
4. Ele indicou o caminho certo para a gente. (He pointed out the right way to us.)
5. A empresa me indicou para a vaga. (The company recommended me for the position.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Podes indicar-me um restaurante porreiro? (Can you recommend a cool restaurant to me?)
2. O médico indicou-me um novo medicamento. (The doctor recommended a new medication to me.)
3. Indica-me um bom filme para ver hoje? (Recommend a good movie to me to watch today?)
4. Ele indicou o caminho correto para nós. (He indicated the correct path to us.)
5. A empresa indicou-me para a vaga. (The company recommended me for the position.)