* Constantly evolving language: Languages are constantly changing, with new words being added and others falling out of use.
* Regional variations: Portuguese has several distinct dialects, each with its own vocabulary and nuances.
* Technical and specialized terms: Different fields, like science, technology, and law, have their own specialized vocabulary.
* Words vs. lexical units: Do we count every possible conjugation of a verb as a separate word? Or do we just count the base verb form?
What we can say:
* The Portuguese language has a vast vocabulary. It's estimated to be in the millions of words, encompassing words from its own history, influences from other languages, and new coinages.
* Dictionaries are a good starting point: Large Portuguese dictionaries can offer a glimpse into the size of the vocabulary, but they won't capture everything.
So, while there's no definitive answer to your question, it's safe to say Portuguese has a rich and expansive vocabulary.