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

No

While the spelling, grammar, and core meaning of "chefe" (boss, chief, or leader) are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese, there are significant differences in pronunciation and typical usage.

• Pronunciation: In Brazilian Portuguese, vowels are generally more open and clearly articulated. In Continental Portuguese, there is much more "vowel reduction," meaning unstressed vowels are often shortened or almost silenced, making the word sound more closed.
• Typical Usage: In Brazil, "chefe" is frequently used as an informal vocative—a way to address people you do not know, such as a taxi driver, a shopkeeper, or a street vendor, in a friendly or colloquial manner. In Portugal, "chefe" is much more strictly tied to hierarchy. Calling a stranger "chefe" in Portugal would be considered unusual or even slightly presumptuous; a Portuguese person would much more likely use "senhor" or "amigo." Additionally, when referring to an employer in a domestic or informal context, Portuguese people often prefer the word "patrão."

Brazilian Portuguese (Natural usage)

1. "Oi, chefe! Tudo bem?" (Hey, boss! Everything okay?)
2. "Dá para fazer um desconto, chefe?" (Can you give me a discount, boss? — addressing a vendor)
3. "O meu chefe é muito exigente." (My boss is very demanding.)
4. "Fala, chefe! Como é que tá?" (What's up, boss! How's it going? — very informal)
5. "A chefe de equipe chegou agora." (The team leader arrived just now.)

European Portuguese (Natural counterparts)

1. "Olá, chefe! Tudo bem?" (Hello, boss! Everything okay?)
2. "Dá para fazer um desconto, senhor?" (Can you give me a discount, sir? — addressing a stranger)
3. "O meu patrão é muito exigente." (My boss/employer is very demanding.)
4. "Olá, pá! Como é que estás?" (Hi, man! How are you? — informal address to a peer)
5. "A responsável pela equipa chegou agora." (The person in charge of the team arrived just now.)