How to Say “Do You Have” in Portuguese: Formal and Informal Ways

Greetings! If you’re interested in learning how to say “Do you have” in Portuguese, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to express this phrase, provide you with regional variations (if necessary), and offer plenty of tips and examples along the way. So, let’s dive in!

Formal Ways to Say “Do You Have”

When addressing someone in a formal setting or speaking to a stranger, it’s important to use the formal form of “Do you have” in Portuguese. Here are a few options:

1. Você tem – This is a common and neutral way of asking “Do you have” in Portuguese. It’s used in both Portugal and Brazil and will generally be understood across the Portuguese-speaking world. For example, “Você tem um lápis?” (Do you have a pencil?)
2. O senhor/ A senhora tem – This is a more polite way to inquire if someone has something. It translates to “Do you have” but includes the formal titles “O senhor” (for men) and “A senhora” (for women). For instance, “O senhor tem algum tempo livre?” (Do you have any free time, sir?).
3. O senhor/ A senhora possui – This is a more formal and elevated way to ask if someone possesses something. It conveys a sense of respect and is ideal for use in business or other formal contexts. For example, “A senhora possui experiência nesse campo?” (Do you have experience in this field, madam?).

Informal Ways to Say “Do You Have”

When speaking to friends, family members, or in informal situations, you can use the following expressions:

1. Você tem – Just like in formal situations, this phrase is also used informally. Whether you’re speaking with friends in Portugal or Brazil, “Você tem” will work perfectly fine. For example, “Você tem uma caneta?” (Do you have a pen?)
2. Tu tens – In Portugal, the informal second-person pronoun “tu” is commonly used. Hence, you can say “Tu tens” to mean “Do you have.” For instance, “Tu tens uma bicicleta?” (Do you have a bicycle?).
3. Vocês têm – If you’re speaking to a group of friends or addressing multiple people in an informal setting, “Vocês têm” is the way to go. It translates to “Do you all have.” For example, “Vocês têm algum problema?” (Do you all have any problem?).

Regional Variations

Portuguese is spoken in various countries across the globe, including Portugal, Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, and more. While the basic expressions mentioned above are widely understood, there may be some regional variations in vocabulary and pronunciation. Here are a couple of noteworthy examples:

No Brasil (In Brazil):

Você tem – As previously mentioned, “Você tem” is the most common way to say “Do you have” in Brazil. It works impeccably in informal and formal settings alike.

Em Portugal (In Portugal):

Tens – In Portugal, the informal second-person pronoun “tu” is used more frequently. Therefore, instead of “Tu tens” (Do you have), you can simply say “Tens.” For example, “Tens algum livro?” (Do you have any book?).

Useful Tips and Examples

Here are some additional tips and examples to help you confidently use the phrase “Do you have” in Portuguese:

• Practice your pronunciation: Pay attention to the pronunciation of words like “tem,” “tens,” and “possui” to ensure clarity in your communication.
• Combine with specific nouns: When asking if someone has something specific, be sure to include the relevant noun. For example, “Você tem um mapa?” (Do you have a map?) or “Tu tens uma caneca?” (Do you have a mug?).
• Be mindful of gender: In Portuguese, nouns have gender (masculine or feminine), so make sure to match the article and adjective to the gender of the noun you’re using. For instance, “A senhora tem uma caneta?” (Do you have a pen, madam?), where “caneta” (pen) is feminine.
• Adjust for plural: If you want to ask if someone has multiple items, ensure the nouns and accompanying articles and adjectives are in the plural form. For example, “Vocês têm alguns livros?” (Do you all have some books?).

With these tips and examples in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to confidently express “Do you have” in Portuguese.

Remember, practice makes perfect! So, don’t hesitate to engage in conversations, listen to native speakers, and immerse yourself in the language. Before you know it, you’ll be speaking Portuguese with ease!