vs · BR vs PT Word Differences

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

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

No.

While the fundamental meaning of "vaca" (the animal) is identical in both dialects, the answer is No due to differences in typical usage and pronunciation.

• Typical Usage: In Brazilian Portuguese, "vaca" is used in the common idiomatic expression "fazer vaca," which means to skip, ditch, or bail on a commitment, such as a class or a meeting. This specific usage is not found in Portugal.
• Pronunciation: Brazilian Portuguese features more open and clearly articulated vowels. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels (especially the final "a") undergo significant reduction, making them much shorter or almost silent compared to the Brazilian pronunciation.

Brazilian Portuguese

1. A vaca está no pasto. (The cow is in the pasture.)
2. A vaca deu muito leite. (The cow gave a lot of milk.)
3. Vamos comer carne de vaca. (We are going to eat beef.)
4. Ele fez uma vaca na aula. (He skipped class.)
5. Aquela mulher é uma vaca! (That woman is a jerk!)

Continental Portuguese

1. A vaca está no campo. (The cow is in the field.)
2. A vaca deu muito leite. (The cow gave a lot of milk.)
3. Vamos comer carne de vaca. (We are going to eat beef.)
4. Ele faltou à aula. (He missed class.)
5. Aquela mulher é uma vadia! (That woman is a [insult]!)