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Is the word recolher the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?
Yes
The word itself is identical in spelling and meaning. The differences lie in pronunciation and syntax (the rules governing how the word interacts with other words in a sentence):
- Pronunciation: In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels in "recolher" are often more open or neutralized, and the final "r" is frequently softened, aspirated, or even dropped in many dialects. In Continental Portuguese, the "r" is more clearly articulated, and the vowels tend to be more closed.
- Syntax (Clitic Placement): While the verb itself does not change, the way reflexive pronouns (like se) are attached to it differs. Brazilians typically use proclisis (placing the pronoun before the verb, e.g., se recolher), whereas the standard in Portugal is enclisis (placing the pronoun after the verb, e.g., recolher-se).
Brazilian Portuguese Examples
- Preciso recolher o lixo antes que o caminhão passe. (I need to pick up the trash before the truck passes.)
- A professora pediu para os alunos recolherem as folhas. (The teacher asked the students to collect the sheets.)
- Ele decidiu se recolher mais cedo hoje. (He decided to go to bed earlier today.)
- Por favor, recolha seus brinquedos do chão. (Please pick up your toys from the floor.)
- A empresa decidiu recolher o produto do mercado. (The company decided to recall the product from the market.)
Continental Portuguese Examples
- Tenho de recolher o lixo antes que o camião passe. (I have to pick up the trash before the truck passes.)
- A professora pediu aos alunos que recolhessem as folhas. (The teacher asked the students to collect the sheets.)
- Ele decidiu recolher-se mais cedo hoje. (He decided to go to bed earlier today.)
- Por favor, recolhe os teus brinquedos do chão. (Please pick up your toys from the floor.)
- A empresa decidiu recolher o produto do mercado. (The company decided to recall the product from the market.)