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

No

While the spelling, meaning, and grammar of the infinitive "trabalhar" are identical in both dialects, there are significant differences in pronunciation and typical usage when the word is used in a sentence.

• Pronunciation: In Brazilian Portuguese, vowels are generally more "open" and clearly articulated. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels are often "closed" or reduced, sometimes becoming almost inaudible, which gives the dialect a more consonant-heavy, rhythmic sound.
• Usage (Continuous Aspect): This is the most noticeable difference. To express that someone is currently working, Brazilians use the gerund (trabalhando). Portuguese people use the preposition a followed by the infinitive (a trabalhar).
• Usage (Phrasing and Pronouns): When expressing necessity or addressing others, the sentence structures often shift. Brazilians frequently use "você" and "preciso," whereas Portuguese people more naturally use "tu" and "tenho de" in similar contexts.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Eu trabalho nesta empresa. (I work in this company.)
2. Ela está trabalhando agora. (She is working now.)
3. Você trabalha muito? (Do you work a lot?)
4. Eu preciso trabalhar amanhã. (I need to work tomorrow.)
5. Nós estamos trabalhando no projeto. (We are working on the project.)

Portuguese (Portugal) Examples

1. Eu trabalho nesta empresa. (I work in this company.)
2. Ela está a trabalhar agora. (She is working now.)
3. Tu trabalhas muito? (Do you work a lot?)
4. Eu tenho de trabalhar amanhã. (I have to work tomorrow.)
5. Nós estamos a trabalhar no projeto. (We are working on the project.)