ter · Momolang

to have · to own

To possess something or have something available.

ter + something

Se tivéssemos mais tempo, ficaríamos aqui.

If we had more time, we would stay here.

Tenho um cachorro.

I have a dog.

to feel · to experience

To experience a need or feeling, in combinations such as ter fome and ter medo.

ter + feeling or need

Você tem medo de altura?

Are you afraid of heights?

to have to · to need to

To express an obligation or necessity.

ter que + infinitive

Tenho que sair agora.

I have to leave now.

Ter de + infinitive can also express necessity.

THE LITTLE DISTINCTION

Tenho fome, not sou fome

Portuguese uses ter in expressions such as ter fome (to be hungry), ter sede (to be thirsty), and ter medo (to be afraid). Ter also gives age: tenho trinta anos means I am thirty. These combinations do not translate word for word.

Conjugation

Explore the conjugation of ter.

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About this entry · draft content

Original prototype explanations and examples, drafted by AI. Not imported dictionary prose; awaiting Brazilian Portuguese editorial review. Bilingual links and their original examples were checked separately; existing Portuguese text, forms and original review status are retained.