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

No

While the spelling, meaning, and grammatical conjugation of "recomendou" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese, there are differences in pronunciation and typical usage (syntax).

1. Pronunciation: In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are generally more open and the rhythm is more syllable-timed. In Continental Portuguese, there is significant vowel reduction, meaning unstressed vowels are much shorter or nearly silent, creating a more stress-timed rhythm.
2. Typical Usage (Syntax): The difference lies in how the word interacts with other parts of a sentence. In Brazil, it is natural to place object pronouns before the verb (e.g., "me recomendou"). In Portugal, it is standard to place the pronoun after the verb (e.g., "recomendou-me"). Additionally, Portuguese speakers typically use articles before possessive pronouns (e.g., "a minha amiga" instead of "minha amiga").

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

• O médico recomendou repouso. (The doctor recommended rest.)
• Minha amiga recomendou esse restaurante. (My friend recommended that restaurant.)
• Ele me recomendou este livro. (He recommended this book to me.)
• O guia recomendou o passeio de barco. (The guide recommended the boat tour.)
• Ela recomendou o novo filme. (She recommended the new movie.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

• O médico recomendou repouso. (The doctor recommended rest.)
• A minha amiga recomendou este restaurante. (My friend recommended this restaurant.)
• Ele recomendou-me este livro. (He recommended this book to me.)
• O guia recomendou o passeio de barco. (The guide recommended the boat tour.)
• Ela recomendou o novo filme. (She recommended the new movie.)