vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

The difference between the two is primarily in spelling and pronunciation.

• Spelling: In Brazilian Portuguese, the standard spelling is quatorze. In European (Continental) Portuguese, the standard spelling is catorze.
• Pronunciation: In Brazil, the vowels are typically more open and clearly articulated. In Portugal, vowels are often more "reduced" or closed, making the word sound more clipped and less rhythmic.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu tenho quatorze anos. (I am fourteen years and old.)
2. O ônibus passa às quatorze horas. (The bus passes at 2 PM.)
3. Ele comprou quatorze livros. (He bought fourteen books.)
4. Faltam quatorze dias para o feriado. (There are fourteen days left until the holiday.)
5. Há quatorze pessoas na sala. (There are fourteen people in the room.)

European Portuguese Examples

1. Eu tenho catorze anos. (I am fourteen years old.)
2. O autocarro passa às catorze horas. (The bus passes at 2 PM.)
3. Ele comprou catorze livros. (He bought fourteen books.)
4. Faltam catorze dias para o feriado. (There are fourteen days left until the holiday.)
5. Há catorze pessoas na sala. (There are fourteen people in the room.)