vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

The word "las" does not exist as a standalone word in Portuguese (unlike in Spanish). In Portuguese, it is an enclitic, meaning it is a combination of the feminine plural direct object pronoun as attached to a verb (specifically when the verb ends in -r, -s, or -z).

The difference between the two dialects lies in typical usage and syntax:

• Brazilian Portuguese: The use of "-las" is considered very formal and is rarely used in natural, spoken conversation. Brazilians much prefer proclisis (placing the pronoun as before the verb, e.g., "Eu as vi") or, even more commonly in casual, everyday speech, they use the subject pronoun "elas" as a direct object (e.g., "Eu vi elas").
• Continental Portuguese: The use of enclisis (attaching the pronoun to the verb, e.g., "vi-as" or "vê-las") is the standard, natural, and grammatically expected way to speak in most everyday situations.

Brazilian Portuguese (Natural/Spoken Usage)

1. Eu vi elas no parque. (I saw them at the park.)
2. Eu quero ver elas agora. (I want to see them now.)
3. Eu as encontrei na escola. (I found them at school. — Note: This is the formal/standard way.)
4. Eu vou buscar elas amanhã. (I am going to pick them up tomorrow.)
5. Eu as deixei na mesa. (I left them on the table.)

Continental Portuguese (Natural/Spoken Usage)

1. Eu vi-as no parque. (I saw them at the park.)
2. Eu quero vê-las agora. (I want to see them now.)
3. Eu encontrei-as na escola. (I found them at school.)
4. Eu vou buscá-las amanhã. (I am going to pick them up tomorrow.)
5. Eu deixei-as na mesa. (I left them on the table.)