vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the spelling and meaning of "pagando" are identical in both variants, there is a significant difference in typical usage and grammar. In Brazil, the gerund (pagando) is the standard way to express an action that is currently happening. In Portugal, the gerund is much less common for ongoing actions; instead, the construction "a + infinitive" (a pagar) is the natural way to express the same idea. Using "pagando" to describe an ongoing process in Portugal can sound unnatural or specifically literary.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu estou pagando a conta agora. (I am paying the bill now.)

2. Ele está pagando tudo para a gente. (He is paying for everything for us.)

3. Ela passou a tarde pagando as dívidas. (She spent the afternoon paying the debts.)

4. Você está pagando muito caro por isso. (You are paying too much for this.)

5. Estamos pagando o curso em dez parcelas. (We are paying for the course in ten installments.)

European Portuguese Examples

1. Eu estou a pagar a conta agora. (I am paying the bill now.)

2. Ele está a pagar tudo por nós. (He is paying for everything for us.)

3. Ela passou a tarde a pagar as dívidas. (She spent the afternoon paying the debts.)

4. Estás a pagar demasiado por isto. (You are paying too much for this.)

5. Estamos a pagar o curso em dez prestações. (We are paying for the course in ten installments.)