vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

The difference between the two lies in spelling, pronunciation, and grammatical usage regarding verb tense and pronouns.

• Spelling and Pronunciation: In Brazilian Portuguese, the spelling "ligamos" is used for both the present tense (we call/we turn on) and the past tense (we called/we turned on). In Continental Portuguese, a distinction is made in writing to represent the stressed vowel in the past tense: the present tense is ligamos, but the past tense is written as ligámos (with an acute accent).
• Grammar/Usage: When referring to the person being called, Brazilians typically use the pronoun você, whereas Portuguese people naturally use tu or ti.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Nós ligamos para você amanhã. (We will call you tomorrow.)
2. Nós ligamos a televisão agora. (We are turning on the television now.)
3. Nós ligamos o rádio ontem. (We turned on the radio yesterday.)
4. Nós ligamos os cabos quando chegamos. (We connected the cables when we arrived.)
5. Nós ligamos a luz antes de sair. (We turned on the light before leaving.)

Portuguese Examples

1. Nós ligamos para ti amanhã. (We will call you tomorrow.)
2. Nós ligamos a televisão agora. (We are turning on the television now.)
3. Nós ligámos o rádio ontem. (We turned on the radio yesterday.)
4. Nós ligámos os cabos quando chegámos. (We connected the cables when we arrived.)
5. Nós ligámos a luz antes de sair. (We turned on the light before leaving.)