Is Brazilian Portuguese different from Portugal Portuguese?

May 5 each year celebrates World Portuguese Language Day but a fun fact is that this age-old language has different versions all over the world despite the unity in celebration. What do you think, Is Brazilian Portuguese different from Portugal Portuguese? 

Now, going back to the basics, the Portuguese alphabet consists of 23 letters. It has 5 vowels and 18 consonants, but it excludes the letters K, W, and Y, except for names and words borrowed from other languages. For this reason, if you translate for Brazil, it won't be suitable for Portugal and vice versa. Brazilian Portuguese uses infinitives with an “a” prefix for verb tenses thereby distinguishing it from past, present, and future tenses which is used in European Portuguese. These are essential considerations to keep in mind when opting for translation service providers in Canada.

Pronunciation

1. Vowel Sounds: Brazilian Portuguese has more open and nasal vowel sounds than European Portuguese. In Brazil, vowels are pronounced more clearly and enunciated, with Brazilians tending to articulate vowels broadly and at length. In contrast, European Portuguese speakers use less pronounced vowels, often speaking with a more closed mouth, giving Brazilian Portuguese a somewhat "lighter" sound. 
2. Consonant Sounds: In European Portuguese, the "s" at the end of a word is pronounced like the English "sh" sound, whereas in Brazilian Portuguese, it is pronounced as an "s." For instance, the word "mesmo" is pronounced "mez-moo" in Brazil but "mezh-moo" in Portugal.
    

Vocabulary

Different Words for the Same Concept: Some common words that are different are shown in the table below.

Anglicisms and Slang: Brazilian Portuguese includes more English loanwords and contemporary slang, showing the cultural influences present in Brazil.

Grammar and Spelling

1. Formal vs. Informal Address: In Portugal, "tu" is used for informal "you," whereas in Brazil, "você" is more frequently used in both informal and formal contexts. "Tu" is uncommonly used in Brazil. 
2. Verb Conjugations: The use of "tu" and "você" leads to differences in second-person singular verb conjugations. For example, "you speak" is "tu falas" in Portugal and "você fala" in Brazil.

Usage

1. Expressions & Idioms: Numerous idioms, expressions, and colloquial phrases are different for both Brazilian Portuguese and Portugal Portuguese. For instance, in Brazil, "dar uma mãozinha" means to give a little help, whereas in Portugal, this phrase doesn't mean the same.
2. Formality: Brazilian Portuguese generally adopts a more relaxed approach to formal titles and forms of address.

Since Brazilian Portuguese is different from Portuguese, you must have your basics cleared before trying to write and speak it or while opting for translation services in Canada.

If you are looking for an expert translation service in Canada that knows how is Brazilian Portuguese different from Portugal Portugues, then you should reach out to Globeia for translation services. We offer professional and certified Portuguese translation services in Canada.