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Is the word pia the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?
No
While the fundamental meanings of "pia" (a sink, a baptismal font, or the third-person singular of the verb "to chirp") are identical in both dialects, there is a difference in typical usage regarding bathroom fixtures. In Brazil, "pia" is the standard term for both kitchen sinks and bathroom sinks. In Portugal, "pia" is primarily used for kitchen sinks or religious fonts, whereas "lavatório" is the natural and standard term used for a bathroom sink.
Brazilian Portuguese Examples:
- A pia da cozinha está entupida. (The kitchen sink is clogged.)
- Lave as mãos na pia, por favor. (Wash your hands in the sink, please.)
- O pássaro pia muito cedo. (The bird chirps very early.)
- Tem muita louça na pia. (There is a lot of dishes in the sink.)
- Preciso limpar a pia do banheiro. (I need to clean the bathroom sink.)
Continental Portuguese Examples:
- A pia da cozinha está entupida. (The kitchen sink is clogged.)
- Lave as mãos no lavatório, por favor. (Wash your hands in the sink, please.)
- O pássaro pia muito cedo. (The bird chirps very early.)
- Há muita loiça na pia. (There is a lot of dishes in the sink.)
- Preciso limpar o lavatório. (I need to clean the sink.)
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· BR vs PT Word Differences