vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

Yes

The word "tentou" is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammatical function in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. It is the third-person singular of the pretérito perfeito do indicativo (simple past) of the verb tentar (to try). The only difference is in pronunciation: Brazilian Portuguese tends to have more open vowels and a syllable-timed rhythm, whereas Continental Portuguese is more stress-timed and often reduces unstressed vowels, making the word sound slightly more clipped or subtle to a Brazilian ear.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Ele tentou falar com ela na festa. (He tried to talk to her at the party.)
2. Ela tentou fazer o bolo, mas não deu certo. (She tried to make the cake, but it didn't work out.)
3. O menino tentou esconder o celular. (The boy tried to hide the cell phone.)
4. Ninguém tentou ajudar o rapaz. (Nobody tried to help the young man.)
5. Ele tentou chegar cedo, mas o trânsito estava muito ruim. (He tried to arrive early, but the traffic was very bad.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Ele tentou falar-lhe na festa. (He tried to talk to her at the party.)
2. Ela tentou fazer o bolo, mas não resultou. (She tried to make the cake, but it didn't work/result.)
3. O miúdo tentou esconder o telemóvel. (The kid tried to hide the mobile phone.)
4. Ninguém tentou ajudar o rapaz. (Nobody tried to help the young man.)
5. Ele tentou chegar cedo, mas o trânsito estava horrível. (He tried to arrive early, but the traffic was horrible.)