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

No

While the spelling, grammar, and primary definition of "boi" (referring to a castrated male bovine) are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese, there is a difference in typical usage and meaning. In Brazil, "boi" has an extended cultural meaning referring to the central character or entity in traditional folk festivals, such as Bumba meu boi. In Portugal, the word is almost exclusively used to refer to the animal itself. Additionally, while the word itself is the same, the surrounding vocabulary used to express related ideas (such as "beef" or "grazing") differs significantly between the two dialects.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. O boi é a estrela do festival Bumba meu boi. (The ox is the star of the Bumba meu boi festival.)
  2. O boi está pastando no campo. (The ox is grazing in the field.)
  3. O fazendeiro está cuidando do boi. (The farmer is taking care of the ox.)
  4. Eu gosto de comer carne de boi. (I like to eat beef.)
  5. O boi é um animal muito forte. (The ox is a very strong animal.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. O boi é um animal de grande porte. (The ox is a large animal.)
  2. O boi está a pastar no campo. (The ox is grazing in the field.)
  3. O agricultor está a tratar do boi. (The farmer is taking care of the ox.)
  4. Eu gosto de comer carne de vaca. (I like to eat beef.)
  5. O boi é um animal muito forte. (The ox is a very strong animal.)