Is the word antes the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes

The word "antes" is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammar in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only differences lie in pronunciation and the phonetic environment created by surrounding words.

• Pronunciation: In most Brazilian dialects, the "s" in "antes" is pronounced as a soft [s] (as in "sun"). In Continental Portuguese, the "s" is often pronounced as a "sh" sound [ʃ] (as in "shoe"). Additionally, the unstressed "e" in "antes" is often more audible in Brazil, whereas in Portugal, it is frequently reduced or even becomes a near-silent schwa sound.
• Usage Context: While the word "antes" itself does not change, the grammatical structures surrounding it often do. Brazilians frequently use the simple infinitive (e.g., antes de comer), while Portuguese people naturally use the inflected infinitive (e.g., antes de comeres). Furthermore, the pronouns used after "antes" differ (e.g., antes de você in Brazil vs. antes de ti in Portugal).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu cheguei antes de você. (I arrived before you.)
2. Antes de comer, lave as mãos. (Before eating, wash your hands.)
3. A gente saiu antes do cinema. (We left before the cinema.)
4. Eu treinei na academia antes de trabalhar. (I worked out at the gym before working.)
5. Pense bem antes de falar. (Think well before speaking.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Eu cheguei antes de ti. (I arrived before you.)
2. Antes de comeres, lava as mãos. (Before eating, wash your hands.)
3. Nós saímos antes do cinema. (We left before the cinema.)
4. Eu treinei no ginásio antes de trabalhar. (I worked out at the gym before working.)
5. Pensa bem antes de falares. (Think well before speaking.)