BR vs PT · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No

While the spelling and the core grammatical function of têm (the third-person plural present indicative of the verb ter) are identical in both dialects, there are significant differences in usage, grammar, and pronunciation:

Brazilian Portuguese Usage

  1. Eles têm muitos amigos. (They have many friends.)
  2. Tem muitos carros na rua. (There are many cars in the street.)
  3. As crianças têm brinquedos legais. (The children have cool toys.)
  4. Meus irmãos têm um cachorro. (My siblings have a dog.)
  5. Eles têm que pegar o ônibus. (They have to catch the bus.)

Continental Portuguese Usage

  1. Eles têm muitos amigos. (They have many friends.)
  2. Há muitos carros na rua. (There are many cars in the street.)
  3. As crianças têm brinquedos fixes. (The children have cool toys.)
  4. Os meus irmãos têm um cão. (My siblings have a dog.)
  5. Eles têm de apanhar o autocarro. (They have to catch the bus.)