vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the spelling of "pensando" is identical in both dialects, there is a significant difference in typical usage.

In Brazilian Portuguese, the gerund form (pensando) is the standard way to express continuous or progressive actions (the Present Continuous). For example, "I am thinking" is naturally "Estou pensando."

In Continental Portuguese, the progressive aspect is typically expressed using the preposition a followed by the infinitive of the verb. While a Portuguese person understands "pensando," they would rarely use it to describe an ongoing action; instead, they would say "a pensar."

Regarding pronunciation, Brazilian Portuguese tends to have more open vowels, making the word sound more melodic and clear. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels are much more "reduced" or "swallowed," resulting in a more closed, clipped sound.

Brazilian Portuguese Usage

1. Estou pensando em mudar de emprego. (I am thinking about changing jobs.)
2. O que você está pensando agora? (What are you thinking about right now?)
3. Ela estava pensando na resposta durante a aula. (She was thinking about the answer during class.)
4. Nós estamos pensando em viajar nas férias. (We are thinking about traveling during the holidays.)
5. Você não está nem pensando em sair hoje, né? (You aren't even thinking about going out today, are you?)

Continental Portuguese Usage

1. Estou a pensar em mudar de emprego. (I am thinking about changing jobs.)
2. O que é que estás a pensar agora? (What are you thinking about right now?)
3. Ela estava a pensar na resposta durante a aula. (She was thinking about the answer during class.)
4. Nós estamos a pensar em viajar nas férias. (We are thinking about traveling during the holidays.)
5. Não estás nem a pensar em sair hoje, pois não? (You aren't even thinking about going out today, are you?)