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

Yes

The spelling, meaning, and grammar of "higiene" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference is in pronunciation.

In Brazilian Portuguese, the final "e" is typically pronounced as a clear, unstressed vowel (sounding like a soft "ee" or "eh" depending on the regional accent). In Continental Portuguese, the final "e" is highly reduced and often becomes almost silent, making the word sound more like "higien'".

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. A higiene bucal é essencial para evitar cáries. (Oral hygiene is essential to avoid cavities.)
  2. Precisamos melhorar a higiene dos alimentos. (We need to improve food hygiene.) Note: Brazilians often use "bucal" for oral/dental contexts.
  3. Ele tem muito cuidado com a higiene pessoal. (He has great care with personal hygiene.)
  4. A higiene do ambiente é fundamental. (The hygiene of the environment is fundamental.)
  5. Você precisa manter a higiene do banheiro. (You need to maintain the hygiene of the bathroom.) Note: Brazilians use "banheiro" for bathroom.

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. A higiene oral é essencial para evitar cáries. (Oral hygiene is essential to avoid cavities.) Note: Portuguese people more naturally use "oral" in this context.
  2. Precisamos melhorar a higiene da comida. (We need to improve the hygiene of the food.) Note: While "alimentos" is used, "comida" is very natural in casual speech.
  3. Ele tem muito cuidado com a higiene pessoal. (He has great care with personal hygiene.)
  4. A higiene do ambiente é fundamental. (The hygiene of the environment is fundamental.)
  5. Tu precisas de manter a higiene da casa de banho. (You need to maintain the hygiene of the bathroom.) Note: Portuguese people use "casa de banho" for bathroom and frequently use the "tu" pronoun.