vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "perguntam" is identical in spelling, meaning, and grammatical function in both Brazilian and European Portuguese. The only difference is in pronunciation:

• Brazilian Portuguese: The vowels are generally more "open" and clearly articulated. The "u" in the second syllable (per-gun-tam) is clearly audible.
• European (Continental) Portuguese: Unstressed vowels are often "reduced" or neutralized. The "u" is often swallowed or nearly silent, making the word sound more like per'ntam.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eles sempre perguntam o mesmo. (They always ask the same thing.)
2. As crianças perguntam por que o céu é azul. (The children ask why the sky is blue.)
3. No trabalho, eles perguntam se eu terminei a tarefa. (At work, they ask if I finished the task.)
4. Os turistas perguntam onde fica o museu. (The tourists ask where the museum is.)
5. Se eles perguntam o preço, diga que é caro. (If they ask the price, say it's expensive.)

European Portuguese Examples

1. Eles perguntam sempre a mesma coisa. (They always ask the same thing.)
2. As crianças perguntam por que razão o céu é azul. (The children ask for what reason the sky is blue.)
3. No trabalho, perguntam-me sempre se já terminei a tarefa. (At work, they always ask me if I have already finished the task.)
4. Os turistas perguntum onde se encontra o museu. (The tourists ask where the museum is located.)
5. Se eles perguntam o preço, digam que é caro. (If they ask the price, say it's expensive.)