vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "pretendíamos" is identical in spelling, meaning, and grammar in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. It is the first-person plural of the imperfect indicative of the verb pretender (to intend/to plan). The only difference lies in pronunciation:

• Brazilian Portuguese: The vowels are generally more open and the rhythm is more syllable-timed. The unstressed "e" in the middle of the word is clearly pronounced.
• Continental Portuguese: The pronunciation is much more "closed." Unstressed vowels are often reduced or nearly silent (vowel reduction), making the word sound more condensed to a Brazilian ear.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Nós pretendíamos viajar no feriado, mas perdemos o voo. (We intended to travel during the holiday, but we missed the flight.)
2. Não pretendíamos gastar tanto dinheiro na festa. (We didn't intend to spend so much money at the party.)
3. Nós pretendíamos te encontrar no shopping. (We intended to meet you at the mall.)
4. Pretendíamos terminar a tarefa logo, mas surgiu um imprevisto. (We intended to finish the task soon, but something unexpected came up.)
5. Nós pretendíamos fazer uma surpresa para ela. (We intended to make a surprise for her.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Pretendíamos viajar no feriado, mas perdemos o voo. (We intended to travel during the holiday, but we missed the flight.)
2. Não pretendíamos gastar tanto dinheiro na festa. (We didn't intend to spend so much money at the party.)
3. Pretendíamos encontrar-te no centro. (We intended to meet you downtown.)
4. Pretendíamos terminar o trabalho hoje, mas surgiu um imprevisto. (We intended to finish the work today, but something unexpected came up.)
5. Pretendíamos chegar às oito, mas o trânsito estava mau. (We intended to arrive at eight, but the traffic was bad.)