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

Yes

The word "impedir" is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammatical function in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation.

In Brazilian Portuguese, vowels are generally more "open" and clearly articulated, making the syllables easier to distinguish. In Continental Portuguese, there is a much stronger tendency toward vowel reduction (or vowel swallowing). This means that unstressed vowels, such as the "e" in certain positions, may become almost silent or very short, giving the Portuguese accent a more "closed" and consonant-heavy sound compared to the more melodic, vowel-heavy Brazilian accent.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. Não deixe nada impedir você de seguir seus sonhos. (Don't let anything prevent you from following your dreams.)
  2. O trânsito impediu que eu chegasse no horário. (Traffic prevented me from arriving on time.)
  3. A falta de chuva está impedindo a colheita. (The lack of rain is hindering the harvest.)
  4. Eles tentaram impedir a manifestação na avenida. (They tried to prevent the protest on the avenue.)
  5. O barulho impede o bebê de dormir. (The noise prevents the baby from sleeping.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. A chuva impediu a realização do jogo. (The rain prevented the game from taking place.)
  2. O trânsito impediu-me de chegar a horas. (Traffic prevented me from arriving on time.)
  3. A seca está a impedir o crescimento das plantas. (The drought is preventing the growth of plants.)
  4. O frio impede o funcionamento do autocarro. (The cold prevents the bus from functioning.)
  5. Nada impedirá a circulação do comboio. (Nothing will prevent the train's circulation.)