vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "liga" is semantically, grammatically, and orthographically identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. It functions as a noun (meaning a league, an alloy, or a bond/binding) and as a verb form (the third-person singular present or second-person singular imperative of ligar). The primary difference is phonetic: in Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are more open and clearly articulated. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels are much more reduced, meaning the "a" in "liga" is often swallowed or pronounced as a very short, neutral sound, making the word sound more closed.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Ele liga o computador agora. (He turns on the computer now.)
2. Eu ligo para o meu pai. (I call my father.)
3. A liga de futebol é muito competitiva. (The football league is very competitive.)
4. Esta liga de metal é muito resistente. (This metal alloy is very resistant.)
5. A liga entre os fios está solta. (The connection between the wires is loose.)

Portuguese (Portugal) Examples

1. Ele liga o computador agora. (He turns on the computer now.)
2. Eu telefono para o meu pai. (I call my father.)
3. A liga de futebol é muito competitiva. (The football league is very competitive.)
4. Esta liga de metal é muito resistente. (This metal alloy is very resistant.)
5. A ligação entre os fios está solta. (The connection between the wires is loose.)