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

Yes

The meaning, spelling, and grammar of the word "esquerda" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference is pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, vowels tend to be more open and clearly articulated, even in unstressed syllables. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels (such as the "e" in the first syllable or the "a" at the end) are more frequently "reduced" or "closed," making the word sound more consonant-heavy and clipped to a Brazilian ear.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. O ônibus virou à esquerda no sinal. (The bus turned left at the light.)
  2. Deixe o celular no lado esquerdo da mesa. (Leave the cell phone on the left side of the table.)
  3. O pé esquerdo do tênis está gasto. (The left foot of the sneaker is worn out.)
  4. Ele está usando uma camiseta azul à esquerda. (He is wearing a blue t-shirt on the left.)
  5. A parte esquerda do trem passou rápido. (The left part of the train passed quickly.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. O autocarro virou à esquerda no semáforo. (The bus turned left at the traffic light.)
  2. Deixe o telemóvel no lado esquerdo da mesa. (Leave the mobile phone on the left side of the table.)
  3. O pé esquerdo da sapatilha está gasto. (The left foot of the sneaker is worn out.)
  4. Ele está a usar uma t-shirt azul à esquerda. (He is wearing a blue t-shirt on the left.)
  5. A parte esquerda do comboio passou rápido. (The left part of the train passed quickly.)