vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the meaning, spelling, and grammatical function of "somente" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese, there are differences in typical usage and pronunciation.

• Usage: In Brazil, "somente" is often perceived as more formal or literary. In everyday spoken Brazilian Portuguese, people much more frequently use "só" or "apenas." In Portugal, while "somente" is used, "apenas" is a very common and natural alternative for expressing the same idea in both speech and writing.
• Pronunciation: In Brazil, the unstressed final "e" in "somente" is typically pronounced as a high, unstressed /i/ (sounding like somenti). In Portugal, the pronunciation of unstressed vowels follows different phonetic rules, often resulting in a more closed or even a silent vowel.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu tenho somente um irmão. (I have only one brother.)
2. Somente hoje o desconto é válido. (Only today is the discount valid.)
3. Ele possui somente este carro. (He owns only this car.)
4. Isso custa somente dez reais. (This costs only ten reais.)
5. Somente pessoas autorizadas podem entrar. (Only authorized people may enter.)

Portuguese (Portugal) Examples

1. Eu tenho apenas um irmão. (I have only one brother.)
2. Apenas hoje o desconto é válido. (Only today is the discount valid.)
3. Ele possui apenas este carro. (He owns only this car.)
4. Isto custa apenas dez euros. (This costs only ten euros.)
5. Apenas tu podes ajudar-me. (Only you can help me.)