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

Yes

The word "interpretar" has the same meaning, spelling, and grammatical function in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. There are no differences in how the word is used to describe translating spoken language, acting in a play, or analyzing data. The only difference lies in pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are more open and the unstressed syllables are clearly articulated. In Continental Portuguese, the vowels are more "closed" or reduced, meaning the unstressed syllables (like the "e" in in-ter-pre-tar) are often shortened or nearly swallowed.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. Ele interpreta muito bem o papel. (He plays the role very well.)
  2. Ela está interpretando a música de um jeito lindo. (She is interpreting the song in a beautiful way.)
  3. Você não deve interpretar o que eu disse de forma errada. (You should not interpret what I said the wrong way.)
  4. O cientista sabe interpretar os resultados do experimento. (The scientist knows how to interpret the results of the experiment.)
  5. É difícil interpretar esse sinal de trânsito. (It is difficult to interpret this traffic sign.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. Ele interpreta muito bem a personagem. (He plays the character very well.)
  2. Ela está a interpretar a música de uma forma linda. (She is interpreting the song in a beautiful way.)
  3. Não interpretes o que eu disse de forma errada. (Do not interpret what I said the wrong way.)
  4. O cientista sabe interpretar os resultados do experimento. (The scientist knows how to interpret the results of the experiment.)
  5. É difícil interpretar este sinal de trânsito. (It is difficult to interpret this traffic sign.)