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Is the word minimizar the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?
Yes
The word "minimizar" is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammar in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. It is a transitive verb used to describe the act of reducing the size, amount, or importance of something, or to downplay the significance of an event.
The only differences are pronunciation:
- Brazilian Portuguese: The vowels are generally more "open" and pronounced. The rhythm is more syllable-timed, and the word follows a melodic cadence.
- Continental Portuguese: The vowels (especially unstressed ones) are more "closed" or "reduced." To an untrained ear, it may sound as if some syllables are almost swallowed, making the word sound shorter and more staccato.
Brazilian Portuguese Examples
- Precisamos minimizar os riscos desse investimento. (We need to minimize the risks of this investment.)
- Não tente minimizar o que eu estou sentindo. (Don't try to downplay what I am feeling.)
- Essa nova medida serve para minimizar os danos ambientais. (This new measure serves to minimize environmental damage.)
- Ele sempre tenta minimizar seus erros diante do chefe. (He always tries to minimize his mistakes in front of the boss.)
- O objetivo da empresa é minimizar o impacto da crise. (The company's goal is to minimize the impact of the crisis.)
Portuguese (Portugal) Examples
- É necessário minimizar os riscos deste investimento. (It is necessary to minimize the risks of this investment.)
- Não deves minimizar o que estás a sentir. (You shouldn't downplay what you are feeling.)
- Esta nova medida serve para minimizar os danos ambientais. (This new measure serves to minimize environmental damage.)
- Ele tenta sempre minimizar os seus erros perante o chefe. (He always tries to minimize his errors in front of the boss.)
- O objetivo da empresa é minimizar o impacto da crise. (The company's goal is to minimize the impact of the crisis.)