← Back to searchWord Index →
Is the word selvagens the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?
Yes
The word "selvagens" is identical in meaning, grammar, and spelling in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only differences lie in pronunciation:
- Vowel Reduction: In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels are often "reduced" or nearly silenced. The "e" in selvagens is much shorter and more closed in Portugal, whereas in Brazil, it is more clearly and openly articulated.
- Sibilants: In many regions of Portugal, the "s" in the middle of the word (before the "v") is pronounced with a "sh" [ʃ] sound. In many parts of Brazil, it is pronounced as a sharp "s" [s].
Brazilian Portuguese Examples
- Os animais selvagens vivem na floresta. (Wild animals live in the forest.)
- Eles têm instintos selvagens. (They have wild instincts.)
- A beleza selvagem da natureza encanta a todos. (The wild beauty of nature enchants everyone.)
- As tribos selvagens eram muito perigosas. (The savage tribes were very dangerous.)
- Ele tem um lado selvagem que ninguém conhece. (He has a wild side that nobody knows.)
Continental Portuguese Examples
- Os animais selvagens habitam a floresta. (Wild animals inhabit the forest.)
- Eles possuem instintos selvagens. (They possess wild instincts.)
- A beleza selvagem da natureza encanta toda a gente. (The wild beauty of nature enchants everyone.)
- As tribos selvagens eram bastante perigosas. (The savage tribes were quite dangerous.)
- Ele tem um lado selvagem que ninguém conhece. (He has a wild side that nobody knows.)
vs
· BR vs PT Word Differences