vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the meaning, grammar, and spelling of "sinal" are the same in both dialects, there are differences in typical usage and pronunciation. In Brazil, "sinal" is frequently used as a common shorthand for traffic lights, whereas in Portugal, "semáforo" is the standard term. Additionally, the pronunciation of the "l" differs: in Brazilian Portuguese, the "l" at the end of a syllable is vocalized like a "u" (e.g., sinau), while in Continental Portuguese, it is a "dark L" where the tongue touches the roof of the mouth.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. O sinal ficou vermelho. (The traffic light turned red.)
2. Eu tenho um sinal bem pequeno no rosto. (I have a very small mole on my face.)
3. O sinal do Wi-Fi está muito ruim aqui. (The Wi-Fi signal is very bad here.)
4. Ele deu um sinal de positivo com a cabeça. (He gave a sign of approval with his head/nodded.)
5. Você esqueceu de colocar o sinal de pontuação. (You forgot to put the punctuation mark.)

European Portuguese Examples

1. O semáforo ficou vermelho. (The traffic light turned red.)
2. Tenho um sinal no rosto. (I have a mole on my face.)
3. O sinal do Wi-Fi está muito mau aqui. (The Wi-Fi signal is very bad here.)
4. Ele fez um sinal com a mão. (He signaled with his hand.)
5. Esqueceu-se de colocar o sinal de pontuação. (You forgot to put the punctuation mark.)