vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "mudavam" is the third-person plural imperfect indicative of the verb mudar (to change). The spelling, grammar, and meaning are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only differences are phonetic:

• Vowel Reduction: In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels are often reduced or "swallowed." The "a" in "mudavam" sounds much more closed, neutral, or almost silent compared to the clearer, more open "a" used in Brazil.
• Rhythm: Brazilian Portuguese is more syllable-timed, meaning each syllable receives more distinct weight, whereas European Portuguese is stress-timed, leading to a more "clipped" pronunciation of the word.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. As coisas mudavam muito quando eu era criança. (Things changed a lot when I was a child.)
2. Eles mudavam de ideia o tempo todo. (They changed their minds all the time.)
3. O trem mudava de trilho muito rápido. (The train changed tracks very quickly.)
4. O pessoal mudava de lugar toda hora. (The people/crowd changed places all the time.)
5. Vocês mudavam muito de opinião. (You all used to change your opinion a lot.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. As coisas mudavam muito quando eu era criança. (Things changed a lot when I/we were children.)
2. Eles mudavam de ideia constantemente. (They changed their minds constantly.)
3. O comboio mudava de carril muito rápido. (The train changed tracks very quickly.)
4. A malta mudava de lugar a toda a hora. (The folks/crowd changed places all the time.)
5. Vocês mudavam muito de opinião. (You all used to change your opinion a lot.)