If you’re a Portuguese speaker who feels comfortable using English at work or in social situations, you may still notice that your accent makes some words sound less “British” than you’d like. Even advanced speakers find that certain English sounds and rhythms are tricky, and that native speakers occasionally misunderstand them or ask for repetition. The reasons are rooted in the differences between Portuguese and British English pronunciation, but with focused practice, you can sound clearer, more confident, and more at home in English conversations.
Key Differences Between Portuguese And British English Pronunciation
Portuguese and English have different sound systems. Portuguese has nasal vowels, fewer diphthongs, and some consonant sounds that don’t exist in English. British English is stress-timed, while Portuguese is more syllable-timed. These differences create specific pronunciation challenges for Portuguese speakers.
British English Vowel Pronunciation: Common Mistakes for Portuguese Speakers
- The /ɪ/ (“bit”) and /iː/ (“beat”) distinction is often unclear, so “ship” and “sheep” may sound similar.
- The /æ/ (“cat”) sound may be replaced by /ɛ/ or /a/, making “cat” sound like “cut” or “ket.”
- The /ʌ/ (“cup”) and /ɑː/ (“car”) sounds can be confused or replaced by Portuguese vowel sounds.
- The /ɒ/ (“cot”) and /ɔː/ (“caught”) distinction may be lost, so “cot” and “caught” sound the same.
- Nasal vowels from Portuguese may transfer into English, giving words an unexpected nasal quality.
- Diphthongs such as /əʊ/ (“go”) and /eɪ/ (“say”) may be pronounced as single vowels, so “go” sounds like “gaw” and “say” like “seh.”
- The schwa /ə/ (as in “sofa,” “banana”) may be replaced by a clearer vowel, leading to over-pronunciation of unstressed syllables.
British English Consonant Pronunciation: Common Mistakes for Portuguese Speakers
- The “th” sounds /θ/ (as in “think”) and /ð/ (as in “this”) do not exist in Portuguese. Speakers often use /t/, /d/, /s/, or /z/ instead, so “think” may sound like “tink” or “sink,” and “this” like “dis” or “zis.”
- The /h/ sound is not present in European Portuguese, so “house” may sound like “ouse.”
- The /v/ and /b/ distinction is sometimes unclear, so “very” and “berry” can sound alike.
- The /w/ sound may be replaced by /v/, so “wine” sounds like “vine.”
- The /ʃ/ (“sh”) and /tʃ/ (“ch”) sounds may be confused, so “sheep” and “cheap” sound similar.
- The /r/ sound: Portuguese “r” is guttural or rolled, while British English uses a smooth, non-rolled /r/. Practise “red,” “real,” and “reason” with the tongue bunched and tensed.
- Consonant clusters (such as in “street,” “tasks,” “strength”) can be difficult. Speakers may insert extra vowels (“istreet” for “street”) or drop sounds.
- Final consonants are often weakened or dropped, so “cold” may sound like “col.”
Rhythm, Intonation, And Connected Speech
Portuguese is syllable-timed, while English is stress-timed. This can make English sound flat or choppy. Practise English word stress, linking words together, and reducing unstressed syllables to sound more natural and fluent. They may also use rising intonation more frequently, which in English can suggest a question or uncertainty. Practise using downward intonation for statements to sound more confident.
Want To Change Your Accent? Work With A British Accent Coach!
Improving your British accent is absolutely possible, no matter how long you’ve spoken English. Focus on one sound at a time, record yourself, and listen back for progress. Consistent practice and expert feedback from a British accent coach will make a huge difference.
If you’re ready to sound more natural and confident, sign up for my British English online accent membership for expert-led training, practice materials, and a supportive community. Or, for a personalised approach, book a call with me for 1:1 coaching tailored to your unique goals.