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

No

The spelling and core meaning of "está" (the third-person singular of the verb estar) are identical in both dialects. However, there is a fundamental difference in grammatical usage regarding how the word is used to form continuous tenses, as well as differences in pronunciation.

Grammar and Usage: In Brazil, "está" is typically followed by the gerund (e.g., está fazendo) to express ongoing actions. In Portugal, "está" is followed by the preposition "a" + the infinitive (e.g., está a fazer) to express the same idea. Additionally, while both use "você," Portuguese speakers more naturally use "tu" (with different verb conjugations) in daily life.

Pronunciation: In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels are often much more reduced or "swallowed" compared to the more open and melodic pronunciation in Brazil.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

1. Ele está dirigindo o carro. (He is driving the car.)
2. Onde está o seu celular? (Where is your cell phone?)
3. O ônibus está vindo. (The bus is coming.)
4. Ela está fazendo o trabalho. (She is doing the work/homework.)
5. O tempo está ficando frio. (The weather is getting cold.)

Continental Portuguese Examples:

1. Ele está a conduzir o carro. (He is driving the car.)
2. Onde está o teu telemóvel? (Where is your mobile phone?)
3. O autocarro está a vir. (The bus is coming.)
4. Ela está a fazer o trabalho. (She is doing the work/homework.)
5. O tempo está a ficar frio. (The weather is getting cold.)