vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the fundamental meaning of "subir" (to ascend, to rise, or to increase) is the same in both dialects, there are differences in typical usage and grammar.

In Brazil, "subir" is frequently used to mean "to board" a vehicle (e.g., "subir no ônibus"), whereas in Portugal, the natural way to express the idea of catching or taking a bus is using the verb "apanhar" (e.g., "apanhar o autocarro"). Additionally, there is a grammatical difference in the preposition used: Brazilians typically use "em" (e.g., "subir na árvore"), while the standard in Portugal is "a" (e.g., "subir à árvore").

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu subo no ônibus todos os dias. (I get on the bus every day.)
2. O preço da gasolina subiu muito. (The price of gasoline went up a lot.)
3. Ele subiu as escadas rapidamente. (He went up the stairs quickly.)
4. A criança subiu na árvore. (The child climbed the tree.)
5. A temperatura subiu à tarde. (The temperature rose in the afternoon.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Eu apanho o autocarro todos os dias. (I catch the bus every day.)
2. O preço da gasolina subiu muito. (The price of gasoline went up a lot.)
3. Ele subiu as escadas rapidamente. (He went up the stairs quickly.)
4. A criança subiu à árvore. (The child climbed the tree.)
5. A temperatura subiu à tarde. (The temperature rose in the afternoon.)