vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The spelling, meaning, and grammatical function of "medicina" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation:

• Brazilian Portuguese: The vowels are more "open" and the syllables are articulated clearly and rhythmically.
• Continental Portuguese: The unstressed vowels are more "closed" or "reduced," meaning they are pronounced much more softly or even swallowed, which can make the word sound shorter or more muffled to a Brazilian ear.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

1. Eu quero estudar medicina. (I want to study medicine.)
2. Medicina é um curso muito difícil. (Medicine is a very difficult course.)
3. Ela começou a faculdade de medicina ontem. (She started medical school yesterday.)
4. Os avanços da medicina são incríveis. (Advances in medicine are amazing.)
5. Ele trabalha na área da medicina. (He works in the field of medicine.)

European Portuguese Examples:

1. Eu quero estudar medicina. (I want to study medicine.)
2. A medicina é um curso muito difícil. (Medicine is a very difficult course. Note: In Portugal, the definite article "A" is more naturally used before the subject.)
3. Ela começou a licenciatura em medicina ontem. (She started her medical degree yesterday. Note: While "faculdade" refers to the institution, "licenciatura" is the more natural way to refer to the degree/course itself.)
4. Os avanços da medicina são fantásticos. (Advances in medicine are fantastic.)
5. Ele trabalha na área da medicina. (He works in the field of medicine.)