A2 (Elementary)Lesson 9: Basic Clause Patterns & Everyday Usage
Brazilian Portuguese often uses ter to mean "there is/there are" in speech. Haver is more formal in this existential sense and remains essential in some writing patterns.
"tem" is the everyday spoken existential form
"há/havia" are more formal or written
Elapsed time often keeps "há"
Existential "haver" stays singular
tem / tinha / vai ter / há / havia
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Brazilian Portuguese often uses ter to mean "there is/there are" in speech. Haver is more formal in this existential sense and remains essential in some writing patterns.
tem / tinha / vai ter / há / havia
In everyday Brazilian speech, "tem" often means "there is/there are": "Tem muita gente aqui".
"Há" and "havia" are more formal or written existential forms.
With elapsed time, "há" stays very common: "Moro aqui há dois anos".
Existential "haver" stays singular: "havia problemas", not "haviam problemas".
Spoken Brazil often prefers "tem" even when traditional grammar would expect "há".
| Portuguese | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Tem muita gente aqui. | There are many people here. |
| Há muita gente aqui. | There are many people here. |
| Tinha um problema ontem. | There was a problem yesterday. |
| Havia um problema ontem. | There was a problem yesterday. |
| Moro aqui há dois anos. | I have lived here for two years. |
| Vai ter reunião amanhã. | There will be a meeting tomorrow. |
| Tem tempo ainda. | There's still time. |
Do not confuse existential "ter" with possessive "ter".
Avoid pluralizing existential "haver" in careful writing.
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