vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "ocupam" is identical in spelling, meaning, and grammatical function in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, vowels are generally more open and clearly articulated. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels are often more closed or reduced (almost "swallowed"), which can make the word sound more clipped or shorter to a Brazilian ear.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. As pessoas ocupam todos os assentos do ônibus. (People occupy all the seats on the bus.)
2. Eles ocupam o tempo livre com leitura. (They occupy their free time with reading.)
3. Os novos moradores ocupam o prédio antigo. (The new residents occupy the old building.)
4. As crianças ocupam a sala de brinquedos. (The children occupy the playroom.)
5. Os móveis ocupam muito espaço no quarto. (The furniture occupies a lot of space in the bedroom.)

Portuguese (Continental) Examples

1. As pessoas ocupam todos os assentos do autocarro. (People occupy all the seats on the bus.)
2. Eles ocupam o tempo livre com leitura. (They occupy their free time with reading.)
3. Os novos moradores ocupam o prédio antigo. (The new residents occupy the old building.)
4. As crianças ocupam a sala de brincar. (The children occupy the playroom.)
5. Os móveis ocupam muito espaço no quarto. (The furniture occupies a lot of space in the bedroom.)