vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "pertencer" is identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese regarding its meaning, spelling, and grammatical rules (it is a regular verb that requires the preposition "a"). The only differences lie in pronunciation. In Continental Portuguese, vowels that are not stressed are often reduced or nearly silent (e.g., the "e" in "pertencer" may sound like a very short "schwa" or disappear), whereas in Brazilian Portuguese, vowels tend to be more open and clearly articulated. Additionally, the rhythm of the sentence differs, as Brazilian Portuguese is more syllable-timed and Continental Portuguese is more stress-timed.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Esse celular pertence ao meu irmão. (That cell phone belongs to my brother.)
2. Eu não pertenço a nenhum grupo de música. (I don't belong to any music group.)
3. O ônibus pertence à prefeitura. (The bus belongs to the city hall.)
4. O trem pertence ao estado. (The train belongs to the state.)
5. Você sente que pertence a este lugar. (You feel like you belong to this place.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Esse telemóvel pertence ao meu irmão. (That mobile phone belongs to my brother.)
2. Eu não pertenço a nenhum grupo de música. (I don't belong to any music group.)
3. O autocarro pertence à câmara municipal. (The bus belongs to the city hall.)
4. O comboio pertence ao estado. (The train belongs to the state.)
5. Tu sentes que pertences a este sítio. (You feel like you belong to this place.)