vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes.

The word "Lopes" is a proper noun, specifically a common Portuguese surname. There are no differences in its meaning, spelling, or grammatical function between Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference is pronunciation:

• In Continental Portuguese, the "s" at the end of the word is pronounced as a postalveolar fricative [ʃ], sounding like the "sh" in "shoe."
• In Brazilian Portuguese, the pronunciation varies by region. In many coastal areas (such as Rio de Janeiro), it is pronounced with a "sh" sound. However, in many other regions (such as São Paulo or Minas Gerais), it is pronounced as an alveolar sibilant [s], sounding like the "s" in "sun."

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Os Lopes chegaram cedo para a festa. (The Lopes family arrived early for the party.)
2. Eu conheço os Lopes há muito tempo. (I have known the Lopes family for a long time.)
3. O Dr. Lopes é um excelente médico. (Dr. Lopes is an excellent doctor.)
4. Você viu o que os Lopes postaram no Instagram? (Did you see what the Lopes [family] posted on Instagram?)
5. A família Lopes é dona daquela padaria. (The Lopes family owns that bakery.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Os Lopes chegaram cedo para a festa. (The Lopes family arrived early for the party.)
2. Eu conheço os Lopes há muito tempo. (I have known the Lopes family for a long time.)
3. O Dr. Lopes é um excelente médico. (Dr. Lopes is an excellent doctor.)
4. Já viste o que os Lopes publicaram no Facebook? (Have you seen what the Lopes [family] published on Facebook?)
5. A família Lopes é proprietária daquela pastelaria. (The Lopes family is the owner of that pastry shop.)