vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "passa" (a conjugation of the verb passar) is identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese regarding its meaning, spelling, and fundamental grammar. The only significant difference is pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, the unstressed final "a" is typically pronounced as an open [a]. In Continental Portuguese, this same "a" is pronounced as a closed, reduced vowel [ɐ], which sounds more like a short, muffled "uh" sound.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Passa o sal para mim, por favor. (Pass the salt to me, please.)
2. Ele passa o dia no celular. (He spends the day on his cell phone.)
3. A professora passa a matéria no quadro. (The teacher writes the material on the board.)
4. Passa aqui em casa amanhã. (Drop by my house tomorrow.)
5. Ela passa mal quando come muito. (She feels sick when she eats too much.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Passa o sal para mim, por favor. (Pass the salt to me, please.)
2. Ele passa o dia ao telemóvel. (He spends the day on his mobile phone.)
3. A professora passa a matéria no quadro. (The teacher writes the material on the board.)
4. Passa por cá amanhã. (Drop by here tomorrow.)
5. Ela passa mal quando come muito. (She feels ill when she eats too much.)