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

No.

While the core definition of the word—a large, handled drinking vessel—is the same, there is a difference in typical usage. In Brazil, "caneca" is the standard word for a mug. While Brazilians use "xícara" for smaller, more delicate porcelain cups (like for espresso), "caneca" is the default term for any larger vessel used for coffee or tea. In Portugal, the standard word for a cup used for tea or coffee is "chávena". In Portugal, "caneca" is specifically reserved for much larger, heavier, or more rustic mugs, such as those used for large amounts of hot chocolate or enamel mugs.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. Eu gosto de tomar café na minha caneca azul. (I like to drink coffee in my blue mug.)
  2. Você viu a minha caneca de cerâmica? (Did you see my ceramic mug?)
  3. Ele comprou uma caneca personalizada de presente. (He bought a personalized mug as a gift.)
  4. Preciso de uma caneca de chocolate quente para o frio. (I need a mug of hot chocolate for the cold.)
  5. Deixe a xícara de chá sobre a mesa. (Leave the teacup on the table.)

Portuguese Examples

  1. Eu gosto de tomar chá na minha chávena favorita. (I like to drink tea in my favorite cup.)
  2. Queres uma chávena de café? (Do you want a cup of coffee?)
  3. Deixa a chávena no pires. (Leave the cup on the saucer.)
  4. Vou usar esta caneca grande para o chocolate quente. (I am going to use this large mug for the hot chocolate.)
  5. Preciso de uma chávena limpa para o pequeno-almoço. (I need a clean cup for breakfast.)