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

No.

While the fundamental dictionary definitions of "galeria" are the same in both dialects (referring to art galleries, underground tunnels, or a collection of items), there is a difference in typical usage. In Brazil, "galeria" is a very common, standalone term used to refer to a small shopping arcade or a passage lined with shops. In Portugal, while "galeria" is used for art or tunnels, a person would much more likely use "passagem," "arcada," or "centro comercial" to refer to a shopping area. Additionally, the preposition used with the verb "ir" (to go) differs: Brazilians typically use "na" (em + a), while Portuguese people use "à" (a + a).

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. "Vou ali na galeria comprar um presente." (I'm going to the arcade to buy a gift.)
  2. "A galeria de arte inaugurou ontem." (The art gallery opened yesterday.)
  3. "A limpeza da galeria de esgoto foi feita." (The cleaning of the sewage tunnel was done.)
  4. "Ele entrou para a galeria de lendas do time." (He entered the team's gallery of legends.)
  5. "Essa galeria comercial tem muitas lojas de roupas." (This shopping arcade has many clothing stores.)

European Portuguese Examples

  1. "Vou ali à arcada comprar um presente." (I'm going to the arcade/passage to buy a gift.)
  2. "A galeria de arte inaugurou ontem." (The art gallery opened yesterday.)
  3. "A limpeza da galeria de esgoto foi feita." (The cleaning of the sewage tunnel was done.)
  4. "Ele entrou para a galeria de lendas do clube." (He entered the club's gallery of legends.)
  5. "Este centro comercial tem muitas lojas de roupa." (This shopping mall has many clothing stores.)