vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the word tabela shares the same spelling and core meaning (a grid, chart, or structured set of data) in both dialects, there are differences in typical usage and pronunciation.

In Brazilian Portuguese, "tabela" is used more broadly as a synonym for various types of lists, such as price lists, installment schedules, or player rosters. In Continental Portuguese, while "tabela" is used for data grids (like the periodic table), speakers more frequently substitute it with "lista" (list), "classificação" (standings), or "planos" (plans) when referring to prices or sports. Additionally, the pronunciation of the first vowel differs: in Brazil, the "a" is more open and articulated ([ta'belɐ]), whereas in Portugal, it is heavily reduced to a near-silent "schwa" sound ([tɐ'belɐ]).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. "Você já viu a nova tabela de preços?" (Have you seen the new price list?)
2. "A tabela de parcelamento é muito vantajosa." (The installment schedule is very advantageous.)
3. "A tabela do campeonato está difícil para o meu time." (The league table is difficult for my team.)
4. "O aluno decorou a tabela periódica." (The student memorized the periodic table.)
5. "A tabela de horários dos ônibus mudou." (The bus timetable changed.)

Portuguese Examples

1. "Já viste a lista de preços?" (Have you seen the price list?)
2. "Os planos de pagamento são muito vantajosos." (The payment plans are very advantageous.)
3. "A classificação do campeonato está difícil para o meu clube." (The league standings are difficult for my club.)
4. "O aluno decorou a tabela periódica." (The student memorized the periodic table.)
5. "O horário dos autocarros mudou." (The bus timetable changed.)