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

Yes

The word "representa" is identical in spelling, meaning, and grammatical function in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference lies in pronunciation.

In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are generally more open and clearly articulated. The unstressed "e" in the first syllable is clearly pronounced (often as [e]), and the final "a" is a distinct, open [a]. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels tend to be "swallowed" or reduced. The "e" in "re-" is often reduced to a very short, nearly silent sound [rɨ], and the final "a" is more closed and neutralized [ɐ].

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. Isso representa um passo importante. (This represents an important step.)
  2. O azul representa a tranquilidade. (Blue represents tranquility.)
  3. O que esse gesto representa para você? (What does this gesture represent to you?)
  4. Ele representa a nossa equipe hoje. (He represents our team today.)
  5. Essa mudança representa um problema sério. (This change represents a serious problem.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. Isto representa um passo importante. (This represents an important step.)
  2. O azul representa a tranquilidade. (Blue represents tranquility.)
  3. O que este gesto representa para si? (What does this gesture represent to you?)
  4. Ele representa a nossa equipa hoje. (He represents our team today.)
  5. Esta mudança representa um problema sério. (This change represents a serious problem.)