vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the definition, spelling, and core meaning of "madrinha" (godmother) are identical in both dialects, there is a difference in typical usage and syntax. In Brazilian Portuguese, it is common and natural to use the word without a definite article (e.g., "minha madrinha"). In Continental Portuguese, speakers almost always use a definite article before the possessive pronoun (e.g., "a minha madrinha"). Additionally, the placement of pronouns in relation to the word differs; Brazilians frequently place pronouns before the verb, whereas the natural flow in Portugal involves placing them after the verb (enclisis).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Minha madrinha me deu um presente muito legal. (My godmother gave me a very cool gift.)
2. Eu vou visitar minha madrinha no final de semana. (I am going to visit my godmother on the weekend.)
3. Minha madrinha faz um bolo de chocolate incrível. (My godmother makes an incredible chocolate cake.)
4. Ela é minha madrinha de batismo. (She is my godmother of baptism.)
5. Peça para minha madrinha vir à festa. (Ask my godmother to come to the party.)

Portuguese Examples

1. A minha madrinha deu-me um presente lindíssimo. (My godmother gave me a very beautiful gift.)
2. Vou visitar a minha madrinha este fim de semana. (I am going to visit my godmother this weekend.)
3. A minha madrinha faz sempre um bolo de chocolate incrível. (My godmother always makes an incredible chocolate cake.)
4. Ela é a minha madrinha de batismo. (She is my godmother of baptism.)
5. Pede à tua madrinha para vir à festa. (Ask your godmother to come to the party.)