vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

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

• Brazilian Portuguese: The vowels are generally more "open" and clearly articulated. The nasal sound in the middle of the word ("en") is distinct, and the final unstressed syllables ("ia") are pronounced clearly.
• Continental Portuguese: The vowels are more "closed" or "reduced." Unstressed vowels are often swallowed or whispered, making the word sound more compressed. Additionally, the "s" sound in many Portuguese accents (such as in Lisbon) is often palatalized, sounding like "sh."

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. A sua persistência é nota dez. (Your persistence is top-notch.)
2. Ele não desistiu por falta de persistência. (He didn't give up due to a lack of persistence.)
3. A persistência é o segredo do sucesso. (Persistence is the secret to success.)
4. Você precisa de mais persistência nos estudos. (You need more persistence in your studies.)
5. Graças à sua persistência, o problema foi resolvido. (Thanks to your persistence, the problem was resolved.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. A tua persistência é admirável. (Your persistence is admirable.)
2. É necessária uma grande persistência para este desafio. (Great persistence is necessary for this challenge.)
3. Ele demonstra muita persistência no trabalho. (He demonstrates much persistence at work.)
4. Com persistência, tudo se consegue. (With persistence, everything is achievable.)
5. A persistência dele é uma virtude. (His persistence is a virtue.)