vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes.

The word is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammatical function across both varieties. The only difference is in pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are typically more open and clearly articulated. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels tend to be more reduced or "closed," which often makes the word sound shorter and more compressed to a non-native ear.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

1. A poluição do ar está aumentando muito nas capitais. (Air pollution is increasing a lot in the capitals.)
2. A poluição sonora incomoda bastante os moradores. (Noise pollution bothers residents quite a bit.)
3. O descarte de lixo aumenta a poluição dos rios. (Litter disposal increases river pollution.)
4. A poluição visual atrapalha o trânsito na cidade. (Visual pollution interferes with traffic in the city.)
5. Precisamos diminuir a poluição industrial. (We need to decrease industrial pollution.)

Portuguese (Portugal) Examples:

1. A poluição do ar está a aumentar muito nas capitais. (Air pollution is increasing a lot in the capitals.)
2. A poluição sonora é um problema constante para os moradores. (Noise pollution is a constant problem for residents.)
3. O descarte de resíduos aumenta a poluição dos rios. (Waste disposal increases river pollution.)
4. A poluição visual prejudica o trânsito na cidade. (Visual pollution harms traffic in the city.)
5. Temos de reduzir a poluição industrial. (We have to reduce industrial pollution.)