vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "provas" is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammatical function in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The primary difference is pronunciation:

• Brazilian Portuguese: The vowels are generally more open and the rhythm is syllable-timed, giving the word a more melodic sound.
• Continental Portuguese: The vowels are more closed or reduced, and the rhythm is stress-timed, making the word sound more "clipped" or consonant-heavy.

While the word "provas" remains the same, a person from Portugal might naturally use different surrounding vocabulary to express similar concepts (for example, using "testes" for school assessments or "comprovativos" for documentation).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

• As provas do crime foram encontradas. (The evidence of the crime was found.)
• Eu tenho muitas provas de matemática hoje. (I have many math tests today.)
• Ele apresentou provas de que estava em casa. (He presented proof that he was at home.)
• A semana de provas será muito difícil. (The exam week will be very difficult.)
• Ela passou por todas as provas de fogo. (She went through all the ordeals.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

• As provas do crime foram encontradas. (The evidence of the crime was found.)
• Tenho muitos testes hoje. (I have many tests today.)
• Ele apresentou comprovativos de que estava em casa. (He presented proof/vouchers that he was at home.)
• A época de exames será muito difícil. (The exam period will be very difficult.)
• Não há provas suficientes contra o arguido. (There is not enough evidence against the defendant.)