vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

The differences lie in pronunciation and typical usage. In terms of pronunciation, Brazilian Portuguese features more open and clearly articulated vowels, whereas Continental Portuguese tends to reduce unstressed vowels, resulting in a more "closed" or clipped sound. In terms of typical usage, while "tensão" is used in both regions for physical, electrical, or political contexts, Brazilians frequently use "tensão" to describe mental or psychological pressure. In Portugal, people are much more likely to use the English loanword stress to express that same idea of mental or work-related pressure.

Brazilian Portuguese

1. Sinto muita tensão nos ombros. (I feel a lot of tension in my shoulders.)
2. A tensão política no país aumentou. (The political tension in the country increased.)
3. A tensão elétrica da tomada é de 127 volts. (The electrical voltage of the outlet is 127 volts.)
4. Havia muita tensão entre as duas famílias. (There was a lot of tension between the two families.)
5. Ela está com muita tensão por causa do trabalho. (She is under a lot of tension because of work.)

European Portuguese

1. Sinto muita tensão nos ombros. (I feel a lot of tension in my shoulders.)
2. A tensão política no país aumentou. (The political tension in the country increased.)
3. A tensão elétrica da tomada é de 230 volts. (The electrical voltage of the outlet is 230 volts.)
4. Havia muita tensão entre as duas famílias. (There was a lot of tension between the two families.)
5. Ela está com muito stress por causa do trabalho. (She is under a lot of stress because of work.)