BR vs PT · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

← Back to searchWord Index →

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

Yes

The spelling, meaning, and grammatical gender of the word "mãe" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference is in pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, the nasal diphthong is typically more open and the vowels are articulated with greater clarity. In Continental Portuguese, the pronunciation tends to be more closed, and the vowels in the surrounding words are often more reduced or "clipped."

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. Minha mãe é muito legal. (My mother is very cool.)
  2. Eu amo minha mãe. (I love my mother.)
  3. Minha mãe me deu um presente. (My mother gave me a gift.)
  4. Vou visitar minha mãe amanhã. (I am going to visit my mother tomorrow.)
  5. Minha mãe faz uma comida ótima. (My mother makes a great meal.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. A minha mãe é muito fixe. (My mother is very cool.)
  2. Eu amo a minha mãe. (I love my mother.)
  3. A minha mãe deu-me um presente. (My mother gave me a gift.)
  4. Vou visitar a minha mãe amanhã. (I am going to visit my mother tomorrow.)
  5. A minha mãe faz uma comida ótima. (My mother makes a great meal.)