The Differences Between Spanish And Portuguese

Home > Language

Are you curious about how Spanish and Portuguese compare? Maybe you're deciding which language to learn, or you already speak one and want to understand the other better. This guide will walk you through the key differences between these closely related languages, answering the questions learners most commonly ask.

How Similar Are Spanish and Portuguese, Really?

Spanish and Portuguese share about 90% of their vocabulary, thanks to their common Latin roots. However, don't let this fool you into thinking they're the same language! While a Spanish speaker might understand written Portuguese fairly well (and vice versa), speaking and listening can be surprisingly challenging.

Think of Spanish and Portuguese as close cousins rather than twins. They developed in parallel but have distinct features that make each unique.

Pronunciation: Why Do They Sound So Different?

The biggest challenge for learners is that Portuguese has more sounds than Spanish. Here are the key differences:

Vowel Sounds

Portuguese has more vowel sounds, including nasal vowels that don't exist in Spanish. For example:

• The word "sim" (yes) in Portuguese has a nasal sound that Spanish speakers find challenging
• Portuguese reduces unstressed vowels, making them shorter and less clear
• Spanish vowels maintain their clear sound regardless of position

Consonant Differences

• Portuguese has the "zh" sound (like in "measure"), written as "j" or "g" before "e" and "i"
• Spanish "j" is pronounced like a strong "h"
• Portuguese has more "sh" sounds, written as "ch" or "x"
• Portuguese "s" at the end of syllables sounds like "sh"

Grammar: What Are the Main Structural Differences?

While the grammar systems are similar, there are notable differences that affect how you express yourself:

Personal Infinitives

Portuguese has personal infinitives, which don't exist in Spanish. These allow you to clearly show who is performing an action even in infinitive constructions:

• Portuguese: "É importante fazermos o trabalho" (It's important for us to do the work)
• Spanish would need a different construction: "Es importante que hagamos el trabajo"

Present Progressive

• Spanish typically uses "estar + gerund": "Estoy comiendo"
• Portuguese can use both "estar + gerund" and "estar + a + infinitive": "Estou comendo" or "Estou a comer"

Object Pronouns

Portuguese allows pronouns to come between parts of compound verbs, while Spanish doesn't:

• Portuguese: "Quero-te ver" or "Quero ver-te"
• Spanish only allows: "Quiero verte"

Vocabulary: False Friends and Unexpected Differences

Despite their similarities, there are many words that look similar but have different meanings:

Common False Friends

• "Embarazada" (Spanish) = pregnant

• "Embaraçada" (Portuguese) = embarrassed

• "Rato" (Spanish) = a short time

• "Rato" (Portuguese) = mouse

• "Propina" (Spanish) = tip/gratuity

• "Propina" (Portuguese) = tuition fee

Different Words for Common Things

Sometimes completely different words are used:

• "Now": "ahora" (Spanish) vs "agora" (Portuguese)
• "Fast": "rápido" (Spanish) vs "rápido/depressa" (Portuguese)
• "Ice cream": "helado" (Spanish) vs "sorvete/gelado" (Portuguese)

Which Language Should I Learn First?

This depends on your goals, but here are some factors to consider:

Choose Spanish if:

• You want more learning resources and practice opportunities
• You're planning to travel in Latin America or Spain
• You want a slightly easier pronunciation system
• You need the language for U.S. business contexts

Choose Portuguese if:

• You're interested in Brazil or Portugal specifically
• You want to stand out with a less commonly learned language
• You already speak Spanish and want to expand your skills
• You enjoy learning complex sound systems

Tips for Learning Both Languages

If you're planning to learn both languages, here are some strategies:

1. Start with Spanish if you're a complete beginner, as the pronunciation is more straightforward
2. Focus on one language until you reach at least an intermediate level
3. Pay special attention to false friends and pronunciation differences
4. Use language-specific media to train your ear to the differences
5. Practice with native speakers who won't mix the languages

Cultural Considerations

Remember that language differences reflect cultural differences:

• Brazilian Portuguese is more informal than European Portuguese
• Spanish formality levels vary by country but are generally more consistent
• Portuguese speakers often understand Spanish better than vice versa
• Each language has unique expressions that reflect local culture and history

Common Questions About Portuguese and Spanish

Can speakers of one language understand the other?

Generally, Portuguese speakers understand Spanish more easily than Spanish speakers understand Portuguese. This is partly because Portuguese has more sounds that don't exist in Spanish, making it harder for Spanish speakers to process Portuguese speech.

Which language is more useful globally?

Spanish has more total speakers and is official in more countries. However, Portuguese is increasingly important due to Brazil's economic significance and the growing importance of Portuguese-speaking African countries.

Is one language harder than the other?

Portuguese is generally considered slightly more challenging due to its additional sounds and grammatical features. However, the difference is minor, and both languages are relatively accessible to English speakers.

Resources for Further Learning

Both languages have excellent learning resources available. Consider:

• Language exchange apps for practice with natives
• Online courses specifically designed for speakers of the other language
• TV shows and movies in both languages
• News websites for reading practice
• Language-specific podcasts for listening practice

Remember that while Spanish and Portuguese share many similarities, they each have unique characteristics that make them worth studying in their own right. Whether you choose to learn one or both, understanding these differences will help you appreciate the richness of each language.

Related Articles

This page was generated on 9th Jan 2025 at 09:00 am (UTC time zone) and its estimated reading time is 11 minutes.