vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "rara" maintains the exact same meaning (uncommon, infrequent, or precious), the same grammatical function (feminine adjective), and the same spelling in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation:

• Brazilian Portuguese: The vowels are generally more open, and the "r" sound varies by region (it can be a soft tap or a stronger aspirated sound like the English "h").
• Continental Portuguese: The vowels are more closed and "reduced" (often sounding almost swallowed), and the "r" is typically more intensely trilled or alveolar.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Ela tem uma doença rara. (She has a rare disease.)
2. Essa é uma oportunidade rara na minha vida. (This is a rare opportunity in my life.)
3. Ela encontrou uma joia rara no mercado. (She found a rare jewel at the market.)
4. É uma habilidade rara de se encontrar hoje em dia. (It is a rare skill to find nowadays.)
5. Foi uma sorte rara ganhar esse prêmio. (It was rare luck to win this prize.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Ela sofre de uma doença rara. (She suffers from a rare disease.)
2. Esta é uma oportunidade rara na minha vida. (This is a rare opportunity in my life.)
3. Ela encontrou uma joia rara no mercado. (She found a rare jewel at the market.)
4. É uma aptidão rara de se encontrar hoje em dia. (It is a rare aptitude to find nowadays.)
5. Foi uma sorte rara ganhar este prémio. (It was rare luck to win this prize.)