vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word média (meaning average, mean, or middle value) is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammar in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels tend to be more open and clearly articulated. In Continental Portuguese, vowels—especially unstressed ones—are often "closed" or reduced, which can make the word sound slightly different to an untrained ear, though the phonetic identity of the word remains the same.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. A média de temperatura hoje foi de 30 graus. (The average temperature today was 30 degrees.)
2. Ele tirou uma média boa nas provas. (He got a good average on the tests.)
3. A média de idade do grupo é muito baixa. (The average age of the group is very low.)
4. Precisamos calcular a média de gastos mensais. (We need to calculate the average monthly expenses.)
5. A velocidade média do ônibus era constante. (The average speed of the bus was constant.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. A média de temperatura hoje foi de 30 graus. (The average temperature today was 30 degrees.)
2. Ele obteve uma média boa nos exames. (He obtained a good average on the exams.)
3. A média de idade do grupo é bastante baixa. (The average age of the group is quite low.)
4. É necessário calcular a média de gastos mensais. (It is necessary to calculate the average monthly expenses.)
5. A velocidade média do autocarro era constante. (The average speed of the bus was constant.)