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Is the word escutam the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?
No
While the meaning, grammar, and spelling of "escutam" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese, there is a difference in typical usage. In Brazil, escutar is a very common and natural way to express the act of listening or hearing. In Portugal, however, the verb ouvir is the standard, much more frequent choice for almost all contexts involving sound. A Portuguese person typically uses escutar specifically to emphasize the intentional act of paying close attention (the act of "listening" vs. just "hearing"), whereas a Brazilian uses escutar and ouvir almost interchangeably.
Brazilian Portuguese usage
- Eles escutam música o dia todo. (They listen to music all day.)
- Vocês escutam o que eu digo? (Do you all listen to what I say?)
- As crianças escutam o professor com atenção. (The children listen to the teacher attentively.)
- Eles escutam podcasts enquanto dirigem. (They listen to podcasts while driving.)
- Elas escutam as notícias no rádio. (They listen to the news on the radio.)
Continental Portuguese usage
- Eles ouvem música o dia todo. (They listen to music all day.)
- Vocês ouvem o que eu digo? (Do you all listen to what I say?)
- As crianças ouvem o professor com atenção. (The children listen to the teacher attentively.)
- Eles ouvem podcasts enquanto conduzem. (They listen to podcasts while driving.)
- Elas ouvem as notícias no rádio. (They listen to the news on the radio.)