BR vs PT · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes.

The word "mão" is identical in spelling, meaning, and grammatical gender (feminine) in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, the nasal diphthong [ɐ̃w] is typically pronounced with a more open vowel and a more distinct, resonant nasalization. In Continental Portuguese, the pronunciation is generally more "closed" and the vowels are often more attenuated or muted.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. Você pode me dar uma mão? (Can you give me a hand?)
  2. Minha mão está doendo muito. (My hand is hurting a lot.)
  3. Lave as mãos antes de comer. (Wash your hands before eating.)
  4. Ele é muito mão de vaca. (He is very stingy.)
  5. A mão dele é bem grande. (His hand is quite big.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. Podes dar-me uma mão? (Can you give me a hand?)
  2. A minha mão está a doer muito. (My hand is hurting a lot.)
  3. Lava as mãos antes de comer. (Wash your hands before eating.)
  4. Ele é muito mão de vaca. (He is very stingy.)
  5. A mão dele é muito grande. (His hand is very big.)