BR vs PT · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

No

The difference lies in the spelling and meaning regarding the subway system. In Brazil, the subway is called metrô (with a circumflex accent), and its plural is metrôs. Therefore, when a Brazilian uses the word metros, they are referring strictly to the unit of measurement. In Portugal, the subway is called metro (without an accent), and its plural is metros. Consequently, in Portugal, the word metros can refer to both the unit of measurement and the subway trains themselves.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. O tecido tem dois metros. (The fabric has two meters.)
  2. O corredor percorreu 400 metros. (The runner ran 400 meters.)
  3. A distância é de cem metros. (The distance is one hundred meters.)
  4. Ele comprou cinco metros de corda. (He bought five meters of rope.)
  5. A profundidade é de dez metros. (The depth is ten meters.)

European Portuguese Examples

  1. O pano tem dois metros. (The cloth has two meters.)
  2. O atleta percorreu 400 metros. (The athlete ran 400 meters.)
  3. A distância é de cem metros. (The distance is one hundred meters.)
  4. Ele comprou cinco metros de cordel. (He bought five meters of string.)
  5. Os metros estão atrasados. (The subway trains are delayed.)