vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the spelling and meaning of "proibiu" are identical in both varieties, there are differences in pronunciation and typical usage (syntax).

• Pronunciation: Brazilian Portuguese features more open, clearly articulated vowels. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels are often "reduced" or shortened, making the speech sound more consonant-heavy.
• Usage/Syntax: The placement of object pronouns relative to "proibiu" differs significantly. Brazilians naturally use proclisis (placing the pronoun before the verb, e.g., me proibiu), whereas Portuguese people typically use enclisis (placing the pronoun after the verb, e.g., proibiu-me). There are also differences in accompanying vocabulary (e.g., celular in Brazil vs. telemóvel in Portugal).

Brazilian Portuguese

1. O professor me proibiu de usar o celular. (The teacher forbade me from using the cell phone.)
2. O governo proibiu o uso de sacolas plásticas. (The government prohibited the use of plastic bags.)
3. Minha mãe me proibiu de sair sem casaco. (My mother forbade me from going out without a coat.)
4. A empresa proibiu o fumo no local. (The company prohibited smoking on the premises.)
5. O médico me proibiu de comer doces. (The doctor forbade me from eating sweets.)

Continental Portuguese

1. O professor proibiu-me de usar o telemóvel. (The teacher forbade me from using the mobile phone.)
2. O governo proibiu o uso de sacos plásticos. (The government prohibited the use of plastic bags.)
3. A minha mãe proibiu-me de sair sem casaco. (My mother forbade me from going out without a coat.)
4. A empresa proibiu o fumo no local. (The company prohibited smoking on the premises.)
5. O médico proibiu-me de comer doces. (The doctor forbade me from eating sweets.)