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

No

While the fundamental dictionary definition of "meninos" remains the same, there are significant differences in typical usage, grammar, and pronunciation:

• Usage: In Brazil, "meninos" is frequently used as a generic term for "children" or "kids," regardless of gender. In Portugal, "meninos" specifically refers to "boys." To refer to "children" or "kids" in a general sense, a Portuguese person is much more likely to use the word "miúdos."
• Grammar: When expressing continuous actions (e.g., "playing"), Brazilians typically use the gerund (brincando), whereas Portuguese people use the preposition a + the infinitive (a brincar).
• Pronunciation: Brazilian Portuguese features more open, clearly articulated vowels. In Continental Portuguese, there is significant "vowel reduction," meaning the "i" in "meninos" is often very short or almost swallowed, making the word sound more closed.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

1. Os meninos estão brincando no parque. (The boys/kids are playing in the park.)
2. Eu tenho dois meninos. (I have two boys.)
3. Oi, meninos! Vamos comer? (Hey, guys! Let's eat?)
4. Aqueles meninos são muito bagunceiros. (Those kids are very messy/naughty.)
5. Os meninos da escola ganharam o jogo. (The boys/kids from school won the game.)

Continental Portuguese Examples:

1. Os miúdos estão a brincar no parque. (The kids are playing in the park.)
2. Eu tenho dois miúdos. (I have two kids.)
3. Olá, miúdos! Vamos comer? (Hello, kids! Let's eat?)
4. Aqueles miúdos são muito traquinas. (Those kids are very naughty.)
5. Os miúdos da escola ganharam o jogo. (The kids from school won the game.)