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

No

While the core definition of "menina" (a young female) is the same in both varieties, the typical usage and the linguistic context surrounding the word differ significantly.

In Brazil, "menina" or "garota" are the standard, neutral terms used for girls and young women of various ages. In Portugal, the standard, neutral term for a girl or young woman is "rapariga." In the Portuguese context, "menina" is often reserved for much younger children or used as a term of endearment.

Crucially, the word "rapariga" carries a massive difference in connotation: in Brazil, it is a highly offensive slur (implying a prostitute), whereas in Portugal, it is a perfectly normal, everyday word for a girl. Therefore, a Brazilian would use "menina" in situations where a Portuguese person would naturally use "rapariga." Additionally, the pronunciation differs; Brazilian Portuguese tends to have more open vowels, while Continental Portuguese features more closed, reduced vowels.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. A menina está estudando para a prova. (The girl is studying for the test.)
2. Aquela menina é muito inteligente. (That girl is very intelligent.)
3. A menina ganhou um brinquedo novo. (The girl got a new toy.)
4. Você viu aquela menina no parque? (Did you see that girl at the park?)
5. Ela é uma menina muito educada. (She is a very polite girl.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. A rapariga está a estudar para o exame. (The girl is studying for the exam.)
2. Aquela rapariga é muito inteligente. (That girl is very intelligent.)
3. A rapariga ganhou um brinquedo novo. (The girl got a new toy.)
4. Viste aquela rapariga no parque? (Did you see that girl at the park?)
5. Ela é uma rapariga muito educada. (She is a very polite girl.)