vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes.

The word "má" (the feminine form of "mau," meaning "bad") is identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese in terms of meaning, grammar, and spelling. The only difference is in pronunciation, specifically the realization of the stressed "á" vowel, which tends to be more open in many Brazilian dialects and more closed or neutralized in many European Portuguese dialects.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Ele agiu com má fé. (He acted in bad faith.)
2. Recebemos uma má notícia hoje. (We received bad news today.)
3. Ela tem uma má reputação na empresa. (She has a bad reputation in the company.)
4. Ele agiu com muita má vontade. (He acted with a lot of bad will/reluctance.)
5. Essa é uma má influência para os jovens. (This is a bad influence on young people.)

Portuguese Examples

1. Ele agiu com má fé. (He acted in bad faith.)
2. Recebemos uma má notícia hoje. (We received bad news today.)
3. Ela tem uma má reputação na empresa. (She has a bad reputation in the company.)
4. Ele agiu com muita má vontade. (He acted with a lot of bad will/reluctance.)
5. Essa é uma má influência para os jovens. (This is a bad influence on young people.)