vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "suspeita" is identical in spelling, grammar, and fundamental meaning in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. It can function as a noun (meaning "suspicion") or as a feminine adjective (meaning "suspicious"). The only difference is pronunciation:

• Brazilian Portuguese: The vowels are more "open" and clearly articulated. The "e" in the middle of the word is typically pronounced as a mid-vowel [e], and the rhythm of the word is more melodic and syllable-timed.
• Continental Portuguese: The vowels are much more "closed" or "reduced." The unstressed "e" often becomes nearly silent or very short, making the word sound more compressed (e.g., sounding almost like susp'ta).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu tenho uma forte suspeita sobre o que aconteceu. (I have a strong suspicion about what happened.)
2. A polícia trabalha com uma suspeita de crime. (The police are working with a suspicion of crime.)
3. Ela agiu de uma forma muito suspeita ontem. (She acted in a very suspicious way yesterday.)
4. A minha suspeita era de que ele estava mentindo. (My suspicion was that he was lying.)
5. Não há motivos para tanta suspeita. (There are no reasons for so much suspicion.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Eu tenho uma forte suspeita sobre o que aconteceu. (I have a strong suspicion about what happened.)
2. A polícia trabalha com uma suspeita de crime. (The police are working with a suspicion of crime.)
3. Ela agiu de uma forma muito suspeita ontem. (She acted in a very suspicious way yesterday.)
4. A minha suspeita era de que ele estaria a mentir. (My suspicion was that he would be lying.)
5. Não há motivos para tanta desconfiança. (There are no reasons for so much distrust/suspicion.)