vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "metade" is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammatical function in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference is in pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, the final "e" is typically pronounced more clearly, sounding like a short /i/ or a soft /e/. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed final vowels are heavily reduced; therefore, the "e" at the end of "metade" is much more closed, sounding almost like a silent or very muffled "uh" (a schwa-like sound).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu comi metade da pizza. (I ate half of the pizza.)
2. Ele está na metade do caminho. (He is halfway there.)
3. A metade esquerda da mesa está limpa. (The left half of the table is clean.)
4. Ela recebeu metade do salário. (She received half of the salary.)
5. Metade do tempo passou muito rápido. (Half of the time passed very quickly.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Eu comi metade da pizza. (I ate half of the pizza.)
2. Ele está na metade do caminho. (He is halfway there.)
3. A metade esquerda da mesa está limpa. (The left half of the table is clean.)
4. Ela recebeu metade do salário. (She received half of the salary.)
5. Metade do tempo passou muito rápido. (Half of the time passed very quickly.)