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

No

While the spelling and core meanings of "contar" (to count, to tell, to rely on) remain identical, there are significant differences in the grammatical construction and typical usage surrounding the word:

• Grammar (Verb Aspect): Brazilians typically use the gerund form (contando) to express an ongoing action. In Portugal, the construction a + infinitive (a contar) is the standard way to express the same idea.
• Typical Usage (Prepositions): When using "contar" to mean "to tell someone something," Brazilians predominantly use the preposition para (e.g., contar para mim). In Portugal, the preposition a is the standard (e.g., contar-me or contar a mim).
• Pronunciation: Brazilian Portuguese features more open, nasal, and melodic vowels. Continental Portuguese tends to have more closed, reduced, or "swallowed" unstressed vowels, making the word sound more clipped.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu estou contando os dias para as férias. (I am counting the days until the holidays.)
2. Ele me contou um segredo ontem. (He told me a secret yesterday.)
3. Você pode contar com o meu apoio. (You can count on my support.)
4. Ela está contando uma história para as crianças. (She is telling a story to the children.)
5. Não conte com esse dinheiro ainda. (Don't count on this money yet.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Estou a contar os dias para as férias. (I am counting the days until the holidays.)
2. Ele contou-me um segredo ontem. (He told me a secret yesterday.)
3. Podes contar com o meu apoio. (You can count on my support.)
4. Ela está a contar uma história às crianças. (She is telling a story to the children.)
5. Não contes com esse dinheiro ainda. (Don't count on this money yet.)