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

No

While the word "explicou" is identical in spelling, meaning, and grammatical conjugation (it is the third-person singular, preterite perfect indicative of the verb explicar), there is a difference in its typical usage regarding syntax and pronunciation.

In Brazilian Portuguese, the word is frequently used in sentences where the object pronoun precedes it (proclisis), such as "me explicou." In Continental Portuguese, the standard usage is to place the pronoun after the word (enclisis), such as "explicou-me." Additionally, there is a difference in pronunciation: Brazilian Portuguese tends to have more open, clearly articulated vowels, whereas Continental Portuguese features more closed or reduced vowels.

Brazilian Portuguese Usage

1. Ele me explicou o problema. (He explained the problem to me.)
2. A professora explicou a matéria de novo. (The teacher explained the subject again.)
3. O médico explicou os efeitos colaterais. (The doctor explained the side effects.)
4. Ela explicou por que chegou tarde. (She explained why she arrived late.)
5. O guia explicou as regras do parque. (The guide explained the rules of the park.)

Continental Portuguese Usage

1. Ele explicou-me o problema. (He explained the problem to me.)
2. A professora explicou a matéria novamente. (The teacher explained the subject again.)
3. O médico explicou os efeitos secundários. (The doctor explained the side effects.)
4. Ela explicou o porquê do atraso. (She explained the reason for the delay.)
5. O guia explicou as regras do parque. (The guide explained the rules of the park.)