vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "semanal" is identical in meaning, grammar, and spelling in both Brazilian and European Portuguese. The only difference is in pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are generally more open and the rhythm is more "syllable-timed," meaning the unstressed vowels are pronounced clearly. In Continental (European) Portuguese, the rhythm is more "stress-timed," and unstressed vowels (such as the 'a' in the middle of the word) are often reduced, closed, or almost silent, making the word sound more clipped.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu leio um jornal semanal. (I read a weekly newspaper.)
2. Temos uma reunião semanal toda segunda-feira. (We have a weekly meeting every Monday.)
3. A limpeza do escritório é feita de forma semanal. (The office cleaning is done on a weekly basis.)
4. Ele recebe um boletim semanal por e-mail. (He receives a weekly newsletter by email.)
5. O pagamento semanal é muito importante para ele. (The weekly payment is very important to him.)

European Portuguese Examples

1. Eu leio um semanário. (I read a weekly [magazine/paper].)
2. Temos uma reunião semanal todas as segundas-feiras. (We have a weekly meeting every Monday.)
3. A limpeza do escritório é feita semanalmente. (The office cleaning is done weekly.)
4. Ele recebe um boletim por semana por e-mail. (He receives a newsletter per week by email.)
5. O pagamento semanal é fundamental para o trabalhador. (The weekly payment is fundamental for the worker.)