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

Yes

The meaning, spelling, and grammatical function of "poupar" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. It is used to express the concepts of saving (money), conserving (resources), or sparing (someone/something). The only difference is in pronunciation:

• Brazilian Portuguese: The vowels are typically more open, and the "r" sound varies by region (often sounding more like an "h" or being retroflex).
• Continental Portuguese: The vowels are much more closed and often reduced, and the "r" is typically more alveolar or tapped.

While the word itself is the same, the surrounding vocabulary and syntax often differ. For example, a Brazilian might use "aposentadoria" for retirement, while a Portuguese person would use "reforma." Additionally, the way verbs are conjugated for "you" (você vs. tu) changes the sentence structure.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Você precisa poupar dinheiro para a sua aposentancia. (You need to save money for your retirement.)
2. Eu tento poupar energia elétrica sempre que posso. (I try to save electricity whenever I can.)
3. Não poupe nenhum detalhe ao contar a história. (Don't spare any detail when telling the story.)
4. Precisamos poupar a água durante a seca. (We need to save water during the drought.)
5. Ele poupou o esforço e decidiu não ir à festa. (He spared the effort and decided not to go to the party.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Tu precisas de poupar dinheiro para a tua reforma. (You need to save money for your retirement.)
2. Eu tento poupar energia elétrica sempre que posso. (I try to save electricity whenever I can.)
3. Não poupes nenhum detalhe ao contares a história. (Don't spare any detail when you tell the story.)
4. Precisamos de poupar a água durante a seca. (We need to save water during the drought.)
5. Ele poupou o esforço e decidiu não ir à festa. (He spared the effort and decided not to go to the party.)