vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "sirene" is identical in spelling, meaning, and grammatical function in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference is in pronunciation:

• Brazilian Portuguese: The vowels are typically more "open," and the final "e" is clearly pronounced as a light /i/ sound (e.g., see-REH-nee).
• Continental Portuguese: The vowels are more "closed" and often reduced. The final "e" is much shorter, often sounding like a very faint, neutralized vowel or nearly silent (e.g., see-REH-n).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Ouvi a sirene da ambulância de longe. (I heard the ambulance siren from far away.)
2. A sirene do carro de polícia começou a tocar. (The police car siren started to wail.)
3. O barulho da sirene me acordou no meio da noite. (The sound of the siren woke me up in the middle of the night.)
4. A sirene do incêndio disparou de repente. (The fire siren/alarm went off suddenly.)
5. Eles desligaram a sirene para não incomodar os vizinhos. (They turned off the siren so as not to disturb the neighbors.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Ouvi a sirene da ambulância à distância. (I heard the ambulance siren from a distance.)
2. A sirene da viatura começou a soar. (The vehicle's siren started to sound.)
3. O som da sirene acordou-me a meio da noite. (The sound of the siren woke me up in the middle of the night.)
4. O alarme do edifício disparou subitamente. (The building alarm went off suddenly.)
5. Desligaram a sirene para não chatear os vizinhos. (They turned off the siren so as not to bother the neighbors.)