Calvin and I discuss different aspects of each language, Spanish and Portuguese.
We cover some grammar and false friends. We give you our opinions on accents and which Spanish and Portuguese we like. At the end, we give a final opinion on which language we like!
TL;DR AI Summary
In this video, two language learners discuss their experiences with learning Spanish and Portuguese. They reveal they first learned Spanish in 2012 during a three-month course in Guadalajara, Mexico and then lived in Spain for a few years. While in Hawaii in 2017, they embarked on a 30-day language challenge. One of them chose to learn Portuguese, while the other opted for Italian.
Not until 2019 did they resume and truly commit to their language studies in preparation for a trip to Europe. Throughout their journey, they encountered challenges such as new sounds and grammar rules, and struggled with accents. Despite these, they celebrate the unique flavors of Spanish and Portuguese, including vocabulary similarities and fascinating linguistic differences. Interestingly, one of them confesses a personal preference for Portuguese while the other favors Spanish.
They conclude by encouraging viewers to learn both languages, and express interest in hearing about their audience’s language experiences.
A deeper look at Portuguese vs Spanish
We’re diving into a comparison of two similar yet fascinatingly different Romance languages – Spanish and Portuguese. Although they may appear alike on the surface, the pronunciation, vocabulary, and even grammar between these language twins can vary radically.
Transitioning between Spanish and Portuguese
Transitioning between Spanish and Portuguese involves more than just changing a few vocabulary words. The entire accent and pronunciation requires adjustment, especially when tackling Portuguese nasalization – a sound absent in Spanish. The subtle trill of the “R” can also be a tricky beast in Spanish!
Beware False Friends!
Despite some striking similarities, learning a language is rarely straightforward. Numerous “false friend” words appear identical, only to have completely different meanings. Take the classic trap word “pelado.” In Spanish it innocently translates to “peeled,” but in Portuguese you have inadvertently called someone “naked”!
Breaking Down the Grammar
While Spanish and Portuguese share linguistic traits like the verbs “ser” and “estar,” each language has its own complexities. Portuguese embraces contractions like “no” and “duma” by combining words, while Spanish delineates them. Pluralization features in Portuguese are distinct on some words like those ending in “ão.” For example, “nação” goes to “nacões.” The verbs have a lot similarities in their conjugations but Portuguese tends to simplify or shorten verbs like the gerund for “to eat”
Comer – Spanish & Portuguese
Comiendo – Spanish Gerund
Comendo – Portuguese Gerund
In the end, we adore both languages for their own glorious flavors! Although the pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar may differ, Spanish and Portuguese remain sister languages…just with plenty of sibling rivalry! Calvin and I will continue our “luta” on what language is better 😉
SUBS: English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, French, Turkish
