vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "mamão" has the same meaning (papaya), the same spelling, and the same grammatical category (masculine noun) in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation. In Brazil, the nasal diphthong "-ão" is pronounced with a very distinct, resonant, and "open" nasal quality. In Portugal, the pronunciation is more "closed" and the nasalization is much more subtle, often sounding less emphasized to those accustomed to the Brazilian accent.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu adoro comer mamão no café da manhã. (I love eating papaya for breakfast.)
2. O suco de mamão é muito refrescante. (Papaya juice is very refreshing.)
3. Você quer um pedaço de mamão? (Do you want a piece of papaya?)
4. O mamão está bem docinho hoje. (The papaya is very sweet today.)
5. Comprei um mamão grande na feira. (I bought a large papaya at the street market.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Gosto de comer mamão ao pequeno-almoço. (I like to eat papaya for breakfast.)
2. O sumo de mamão é muito refrescante. (Papaya juice is very refreshing.)
3. Queres um bocado de mamão? (Do you want a bit of papaya?)
4. O mamão está muito doce hoje. (The papaya is very sweet today.)
5. Comprei um mamão grande no mercado. (I bought a large papaya at the market.)