BR vs PT · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

No

While the word "toma" is grammatically identical in both dialects (as it is a conjugation of the verb tomar), there are differences in typical usage and idiomatic expressions. In Brazil, "Toma!" is frequently used as a standalone interjection to mean "Take that!" or "Gotcha!" when someone is corrected or faces a consequence. In Portugal, this sentiment is almost always expressed using the phrase "Toma lá!" or "Toma lá isto!". Additionally, Brazilians commonly use "tomar" for consuming semi-solids like ice cream ("tomar sorvete"), whereas a person from Portugal would typically use "comer" with "gelado" ("comer um gelado").

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

  1. "Toma! Agora você aprendeu." (Take that! Now you have learned.)
  2. "Eu gosto de tomar sorvete no calor." (I like to eat ice cream in the heat.)
  3. "Toma o seu troco." (Here is your change.)
  4. "Ele toma muito café de manhã." (He drinks a lot of coffee in the morning.)
  5. "Toma essa!" (Take that! — slang)

European Portuguese Examples:

  1. "Toma lá! Agora aprendeste." (There you go! Now you have learned.)
  2. "Eu gosto de comer um gelado no calor." (I like to eat an ice cream in the heat.)
  3. "Toma lá o teu troco." (Here is your change.)
  4. "Ele bebe muito café de manhã." (He drinks a lot of coffee in the morning.)
  5. "Toma lá esta!" (Take that! — slang)