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

No

While the word "buzinar" is identical in spelling and fundamental meaning, there is a difference in typical usage and grammar. In Brazil, "buzinar" is the standard, primary verb used to describe the action. In Portugal, while "buzinar" is correct, speakers much more naturally use periphrastic constructions like "dar a buzina" or "dar um toque" (to give a tap/beep) to describe the action.

Additionally, there is a grammatical difference in how the continuous action is expressed: Brazilians use the gerund (buzinando), whereas Portuguese people use the preposition + infinitive construction (a buzinar). There is also a slight difference in vocabulary for the person driving, with Brazilians preferring "motorista" and Portuguese people preferring "condutor."

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

  1. O motorista começou a buzinar sem parar. (The driver started honking without stopping.)
  2. Não adianta buzinar, o trânsito está parado. (There is no point in honking, the traffic is stopped.)
  3. Ele começou a buzinar rapidamente para avisar que chegou. (He started honking quickly to let us know he arrived.)
  4. Por favor, pare de buzinar tão alto! (Please, stop honking so loudly!)
  5. Eu ouvi ele buzinando lá na esquina. (I heard him honking over there at the corner.)

Continental Portuguese Examples:

  1. O condutor começou a dar à buzina sem parar. (The driver started honking without stopping.)
  2. Não vale a pena dar a buzina, o trânsito não anda. (It is not worth honking, the traffic is not moving.)
  3. Ele deu um toque de buzina para avisar que chegou. (He gave a quick honk to let us know he arrived.)
  4. Por favor, não dês um toque de buzina tão alto! (Please, do not honk so loudly!)
  5. Ouvi um toque de buzina lá longe. (I heard a honk far away.)