vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No. While the spelling and meaning of "limitar" are identical in both dialects, there are differences in pronunciation and typical usage regarding syntax. In Brazilian Portuguese, the word is commonly used with proclisis (pronouns appearing before the verb, e.g., me limitar) and the gerund (limitando). In Continental Portuguese, the typical usage favors enclisis (pronouns appearing after the verb, e.g., limitar-me) and the construction "a + infinitive" (a limitar). Additionally, Brazilian pronunciation features more open vowels, whereas Continental Portuguese features more closed or reduced vowels.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu preciso me limitar ao orçamento. (I need to limit myself to the budget.)
2. Eles estão limitando o acesso ao parque. (They are limiting access to the park.)
3. Você não deve se limitar apenas ao básico. (You shouldn't limit yourself to just the basics.)
4. A gente vai limitar as opções de hoje. (We are going to limit today's options.)
5. Ela se limitou a dizer apenas "não". (She limited herself to saying just "no".)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Eu preciso limitar-me ao orçamento. (I need to limit myself to the budget.)
2. Eles estão a limitar o acesso ao parque. (They are limiting access to the park.)
3. Tu não deves limitar-te apenas ao básico. (You shouldn't limit yourself to just the basics.)
4. Nós vamos limitar as opções de hoje. (We are going to limit today's options.)
5. Ela limitou-se a dizer apenas "não". (She limited herself to saying just "no".)