vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes.

The word "polvilhe" (the third-person singular present subjunctive or the second-person singular imperative of the verb polvilhar) is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammar in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference is pronunciation. In Brazil, the unstressed final "e" is typically pronounced as a short "i" sound (/po-vil-yi/). In Portugal, while the final "e" can also be reduced, the phonetic realization and the rhythmic cadence of the word follow the distinct prosody of European Portuguese.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

1. Polvilhe o bolo com açúcar de confeiteiro. (Sprinkle the cake with powdered sugar.)
2. Peça para ele que polvilhe um pouco de canela no café. (Ask him to sprinkle a little cinnamon in the coffee.)
3. Antes de assar, polvilhe a forma com farinha. (Before baking, sprinkle the pan with flour.)
4. É importante que você polvilhe o doce com coco ralado. (It is important that you sprinkle the sweet with grated coconut.)
5. Polvilhe a mesa com um pouco de amido para não grudar. (Sprinkle the table with a little starch so it doesn't stick.)

Portuguese (Portugal) Examples:

1. Polvilhe o bolo com açúcar em pó. (Sprinkle the cake with powdered sugar.)
2. Peça para ele que polvilhe um pouco de canela no café. (Ask him to sprinkle a little cinnamon in the coffee.)
3. Antes de levar ao forno, polvilhe o tabuleiro com farinha. (Before putting it in the oven, sprinkle the tray with flour.)
4. É importante que se polvilhe a sobremesa com coco ralado. (It is important that the dessert be sprinkled with grated coconut.)
5. Polvilhe a massa com um pouco de farinha para não colar. (Sprinkle the dough with a little flour so it doesn't stick.)