← Back to searchWord Index →

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

No

There are two primary differences between the use of "responde" in Brazilian and Continental Portuguese:

  1. Pronunciation: In Brazilian Portuguese, the unstressed final "e" is typically pronounced as a clear /i/ sound (as in "bee"). In Continental Portuguese, this final vowel is much more reduced, often sounding like a very short, nearly silent /ə/.
  2. Grammar and Usage: There is a difference in how the verb interacts with its object. In Brazil, it is common to use "responder" as a transitive direct verb (e.g., responder o e-mail). In Portugal, it is strictly used as a transitive indirect verb, requiring the preposition "a" before the object (e.g., responder ao e-mail).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. Ele responde as mensagens rápido. (He answers the messages fast.)
  2. Por que você não responde meu e-mail? (Why don't you answer my email?)
  3. Ela responde a pergunta com clareza. (She answers the question clearly.)
  4. Responde o que eu te perguntei! (Answer what I asked you!)
  5. Ninguém responde meu chamado. (No one answers my call.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. Ele responde às mensagens com rapidez. (He answers the messages with speed.)
  2. Porque é que não respondes ao meu e-mail? (Why don't you answer my email?)
  3. Ela responde à pergunta com clareza. (She answers the question clearly.)
  4. Responde prontamente ao que foi pedido. (Respond promptly to what was requested.)
  5. Ninguém responde ao meu pedido. (No one answers my request.)