vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the spelling and fundamental meaning of "preocupam" are identical in both dialects, there are differences in typical usage and pronunciation.

Usage: In Brazilian Portuguese, it is natural and common to use proclisis (placing the object pronoun before the verb) in casual and standard speech, such as "isso me preocupam" (though subject-verb agreement would require "isso me preocupa," the placement of "me" before the verb is the key usage difference). In European Portuguese, the standard is enclisis (placing the pronoun after the verb), such as "preocupam-me".

Pronunciation: Brazilian Portuguese features more open and clearly articulated vowels. In European Portuguese, unstressed vowels are often reduced or nearly silent, leading to a much more "clipped" or swallowed sound in the word.

Brazilian Portuguese examples:

1. Esses problemas me preocupam muito. (These problems worry me a lot.)
2. Os resultados das provas preocupam os professores. (The exam results worry the teachers.)
3. Essas mudanças no clima preocupam a todos. (These climate changes worry everyone.)
4. Esses gastos extras me preocupam bastante. (These extra expenses worry me quite a bit.)
5. As notícias recentes preocupam a população. (Recent news worries the population.)

European Portuguese examples:

1. Estes problemas preocupam-me bastante. (These problems worry me quite a bit.)
2. Os resultados dos exames preocupam os professores. (The exam results worry the teachers.)
3. Estas alterações climáticas preocupam a todos. (These climate changes worry everyone.)
4. Estes gastos adicionais preocupam-me. (These additional expenses worry me.)
5. As notícias recentes preocupam a população. (Recent news worries the population.)