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

Yes

The word "refinadas" shares the same meaning, grammar, and spelling in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The difference is strictly pronunciation.

In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are generally more open and the rhythm is more melodic. The "a" sounds are pronounced clearly and distinctly. In Continental Portuguese, the pronunciation is more "closed." Unstressed vowels, such as the final "a" in "refinadas," are often reduced or neutralized (sounding like a muffled "uh"). Additionally, the "s" in the middle of the word is typically pronounced with a "sh" sound (postalveolar fricative), whereas in many Brazilian dialects, it is a sharper "s" sound.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples:

  1. Ela tem maneiras muito refinadas. (She has very refined manners.)
  2. Essas técnicas de pintura são muito refinadas. (These painting techniques are very refined.)
  3. As joias que ela usa são super refinadas. (The jewelry she wears is super refined.)
  4. As bebidas foram todas refinadas para a festa. (The drinks were all refined for the party.)
  5. Elas sempre escolhem roupas muito refinadas. (They always choose very sophisticated clothes.)

Continental Portuguese Examples:

  1. Ela tem maneiras bastante refinadas. (She has quite refined manners.)
  2. Estas técnicas de pintura são muito refinadas. (These painting techniques are very refined.)
  3. As joias que ela usa são extremamente refinadas. (The jewelry she wears is extremely refined.)
  4. As bebidas foram refinadas para o evento. (The drinks were refined for the event.)
  5. Elas preferem usar roupas refinadas. (They prefer to wear sophisticated clothes.)