vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The spelling, meaning, and grammatical usage of "laboratório" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation:

• Brazilian Portuguese: The vowels are pronounced clearly and are more "open." The rhythm is more melodic, and the unstressed vowels (like the 'o' in the middle of the word) are more distinct.
• Continental Portuguese: The pronunciation is more "stress-timed," meaning unstressed vowels are often reduced, swallowed, or "closed." The 'o' sounds might be much shorter or sound more like a neutral "uh" sound, and the overall rhythm is more clipped.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Preciso levar esse exame ao laboratório. (I need to take this exam to the lab.)
2. O laboratório da faculdade é muito moderno. (The university lab is very modern.)
3. Ele trabalha como técnico de laboratório. (He works as a lab technician.)
4. A pesquisa foi feita no laboratório central. (The research was done in the central lab.)
5. O laboratório de análises está com muita fila hoje. (The analysis lab has a very long line today.)

Portuguese (Portugal) Examples

1. Tenho de levar os exames ao laboratório. (I have to take the tests to the lab.)
2. O laboratório da faculdade é muito moderno. (The university lab is very modern.)
3. Ele trabalha como técnico de laboratório. (He works as a lab technician.)
4. A investigação foi feita no laboratório central. (The investigation/research was done in the central lab.)
5. O laboratório de análises está com muita fila hoje. (The analysis lab has a very long line today.)