vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The meaning, spelling, and grammar of "parentes" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. It always refers to "relatives" or "kin." It is a common pitfall for English speakers to assume it means "parents," but in both dialects, "parents" is translated as pais. The only difference is pronunciation:

• Brazilian Portuguese: The vowels are more open, and the unstressed syllables are clearly articulated.
• Continental Portuguese: The unstressed vowels are "closed" or reduced, often sounding much shorter or nearly silent (e.g., the "e" in parentes may be almost inaudible).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Meus parentes vão viajar nas férias. (My relatives are going to travel on vacation.)
2. Eu adoro passar o Natal com meus parentes. (I love spending Christmas with my relatives.)
3. Ela tem muitos parentes morando no Rio de Janeiro. (She has many relatives living in Rio de Janeiro.)
4. Meus parentes são muito engraçados. (My relatives are very funny.)
5. Você tem algum parente aqui na cidade? (Do you have any relatives here in the city?)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Os meus parentes vão viajar nas férias. (My relatives are going to travel on vacation.)
2. Eu adoro passar o Natal com os meus parentes. (I love spending Christmas with my relatives.)
3. Ela tem muitos parentes a viver no Rio de Janeiro. (She has many relatives living in Rio de Janeiro.)
4. Os meus parentes são muito engraçados. (My relatives are very funny.)
5. Conheces algum dos meus parentes aqui na cidade? (Do you know any of my relatives here in the city?)