vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The only difference between "médicos" in Brazilian Portuguese and Continental Portuguese is pronunciation. The spelling, meaning, and grammatical usage are identical in both varieties.

• Pronunciation: In Brazil, the "s" at the end of the word is pronounced as a sibilant [s] (like the "s" in "sun"), and the vowels are generally more open. In Portugal, the "s" at the end of words is pronounced as a postalveolar fricative [ʃ] (like the "sh" in "shoe"), and the unstressed vowels tend to be more closed or reduced.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Os médicos chegaram rápido. (The doctors arrived quickly.)
2. Eu preciso falar com os médicos. (I need to speak with the doctors.)
3. Os médicos estão de plantão. (The doctors are on call.)
4. Os médicos do hospital são ótimos. (The doctors at the hospital are great.)
5. Ela consultou vários médicos. (She consulted several doctors.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Os médicos chegaram depressa. (The doctors arrived quickly.)
2. Tenho de falar com os médicos. (I have to speak with the doctors.)
3. Os médicos estão de serviço. (The doctors are on duty.)
4. Os médicos do hospital são excelentes. (The doctors at the hospital are excellent.)
5. Ela consultou diversos médicos. (She consulted various doctors.)