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

No

While the spelling, grammar, and basic dictionary definition of "meninas" remain the same, there are significant differences in typical usage and pronunciation.

In Brazil, "meninas" is the standard, versatile word used for girls of various ages and is commonly used colloquially to address a group of female friends. In Portugal, the standard, neutral word for "girls" is "raparigas." In Continental Portuguese, "meninas" is more specifically used to refer to very young children or as an affectionate/diminutive way to address young ladies. Using "rapariga" in Brazil can be highly offensive as it is a derogatory term for a sex worker, whereas in Portugal, it is the everyday term for a girl. Additionally, pronunciation differs: Brazilian Portuguese uses more open, clear vowels, while Continental Portuguese features heavy vowel reduction, often making the "e" in "meninas" almost silent.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. As meninas estão brincando no parque. (The girls are playing in the park.)
2. Oi, meninas! Tudo bem com vocês? (Hi, girls! How are you all?)
3. Aquelas meninas são muito estudiosas. (Those girls are very studious.)
4. Eu vi as meninas saindo da escola. (I saw the girls leaving school.)
5. As meninas adoram tomar sorvete. (The girls love eating ice cream.)

Portuguese (Portugal) Examples

1. As raparigas estão a brincar no parque. (The girls are playing in the park.)
2. Olá, raparigas! Como estão? (Hello, girls! How are you?)
3. Aquelas raparigas são muito estudiosas. (Those girls are very studious.)
4. Eu vi as raparigas a sair da escola. (I saw the girls leaving school.)
5. As raparigas adoram comer gelado. (The girls love eating ice cream.)