vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the spelling, grammar, and fundamental meaning (forgiveness/pardon) are identical in both dialects, the answer is No because there are significant differences in typical usage and pronunciation.

In Brazilian Portuguese, "perdão" is frequently used as a polite or slightly formal interjection to mean "Pardon me" or "Excuse me." In Continental Portuguese, using "perdão" as an interjection is much rarer and can sound overly dramatic, theatrical, or even archaic; a person from Portugal would much more naturally use "desculpe" or "com licença" for the same purpose. Additionally, the pronunciation of the nasal diphthong "-ão" is more open and resonant in Brazil, whereas it is much more closed, reduced, and "clipped" in Portugal.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Perdão, você pode repetir o que disse? (Pardon, can you repeat what you said?)
2. Peço perdão pelo meu erro. (I ask forgiveness for my mistake.)
3. Perdão, eu não te vi passando. (Pardon, I didn't see you passing by.)
4. O perdão é um gesto muito nobre. (Forgiveness is a very noble gesture.)
5. Perdão pela interrupção, mas precisamos conversar. (Pardon the interruption, but we need to talk.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Desculpe, pode repetir o que disse? (Sorry, can you repeat what you said?)
2. Peço perdão pelo meu erro. (I ask forgiveness for my mistake.)
3. Desculpa, não te vi passar. (Sorry, I didn't see you pass.)
4. O perdão é um gesto muito nobre. (Forgiveness is a very noble gesture.)
5. Desculpe a interrupção, mas precisamos conversar. (Sorry for the interruption, but we need to talk.)