vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

In Brazil, pá is primarily a noun referring to a shovel (a tool) or an informal abbreviation for "página" (page) in digital contexts. In Portugal, while it still refers to the tool, its most distinct usage is as a ubiquitous interjection or discourse marker. In Portugal, pá is used constantly to address someone informally or to punctuate a sentence, functioning similarly to "man," "dude," or "hey" in English.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Use a pá para cavar o buraco. (Use a shovel to dig the hole.)
2. A pá está muito suja de terra. (The shovel is very dirty with soil.)
3. Abra a pá 10 do livro. (Open page 10 of the book.)
4. Ele pegou a pá e começou o trabalho. (He took the shovel and started the work.)
5. Preciso de uma pá nova para o jardim. (I need a new shovel for the garden.)

Portuguese (Portugal) Examples

1. Usa a pá para cavar o buraco. (Use the shovel to dig the hole.)
2. A pá está muito suja de terra. (The shovel is very dirty with soil.)
3. Abre a página 10 do livro. (Open page 10 of the book.)
4. Ele pegou a pá e começou o trabalho. (He took the shovel and started the work.)
5. Preciso de uma pá nova para o jardim. (I need a new shovel for the garden.)