vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "mastigar" is identical in meaning, spelling, and conjugation in both Brazilian and European Portuguese. The differences lie in:

• Pronunciation: Brazilian Portuguese tends to have more open vowels and a more rhythmic, syllabic flow. European Portuguese features more "closed" or reduced unstressed vowels, often making the word sound more clipped or "swallowed."
• Grammatical Construction: While the word itself does not change, the way it is used to express an ongoing action differs. Brazilians use the gerund (mastigando), while the Portuguese typically use the construction preposition "a" + infinitive (a mastigar).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Você precisa mastigar bem a comida. (You need to chew the food well.)
2. O cachorro está mastigando o seu sapato. (The dog is chewing your shoe.)
3. É importante mastigar devagar para ajudar na digestão. (It is important to chew slowly to help with digestion.)
4. Ele nem mastigou o sanduíche, só engoliu. (He didn't even chew the sandwich, he just swallowed it.)
5. Não mastigue chiclete enquanto fala. (Don't chew gum while talking.)

European Portuguese Examples

1. Tu precisas de mastigar bem a comida. (You need to chew the food well.)
2. O cão está a mastigar o teu sapato. (The dog is chewing your shoe.)
3. É importante mastigar lentamente para ajudar na digestão. (It is important to chew slowly to help with digestion.)
4. Ele nem mastigou a sanduíche, apenas a engoliu. (He didn't even chew the sandwich, he just swallowed it.)
5. Não mastigues pastilha elástica enquanto falas. (Don't chew gum while talking.)