Is the word minha the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?
No
While the spelling and the fundamental meaning of "minha" (my) are identical, there is a difference in usage and syntax. In Continental Portuguese, it is standard and much more common to precede the possessive pronoun with a definite article (e.g., a minha). In Brazilian Portuguese, the use of the article is optional and is frequently omitted, especially in natural, informal speech. Additionally, when expressing the same ideas, a Portuguese person would use different auxiliary structures (the infinitive vs. the gerund) and different regional vocabulary.
Brazilian Portuguese
- Minha mãe me ligou agora. (My mother called me just now.)
- Minha amiga é muito legal. (My friend is very cool.)
- Essa é minha ideia. (This is my idea.)
- Minha caneta sumiu. (My pen disappeared.)
- Minha cachorra está dormindo. (My dog is sleeping.)
European Portuguese
- A minha mãe ligou-me agora. (My mother called me just now.)
- A minha amiga é muito gira. (My friend is very pretty/cool.)
- Esta é a minha ideia. (This is my idea.)
- A minha caneta desapareceu. (My pen disappeared.)
- A minha cadela está a dormir. (My dog is sleeping.)
vs
· BR vs PT Word Differences