vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "optam" is identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese in terms of meaning, spelling, and grammar (it is the third-person plural present indicative of the verb optar). The only difference is pronunciation. Brazilian Portuguese tends to have more open and clearly articulated vowels, whereas Continental Portuguese features significant vowel reduction, meaning unstressed vowels often sound more closed, muffled, or "swallowed."

Brazilian Portuguese

1. Muitos alunos optam pelo curso de medicina. (Many students opt for the medical course.)
2. Eles optam por viajar de trem. (They opt to travel by train.)
3. As pessoas optam por usar o ônibus. (People opt to use the bus.)
4. Alguns clientes optam pelo celular novo. (Some customers opt for the new cell phone.)
5. Muitos jovens optam por morar no centro. (Many young people opt to live downtown.)

Continental Portuguese

1. Muitos alunos optam pelo curso de medicina. (Many students opt for the medical course.)
2. Eles optam por viajar de comboio. (They opt to travel by train.)
3. As pessoas optam por usar o autocarro. (People opt to use the bus.)
4. Alguns clientes optam pelo telemóvel novo. (Some customers opt for the new cell phone.)
5. Muitos jovens optam por morar no centro. (Many young people opt to live downtown.)