to have · to own
To possess something or have something available.
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.
Você tem medo de altura?
Are you afraid of heights?
to have to · to need to
To express an obligation or necessity.
Tenho que sair agora.
I have to leave now.
Ter de + infinitive can also express necessity.
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 every tense and mood of ter.
View full conjugation →About this entry · draft content
Original prototype explanations and examples, drafted by AI. Not imported dictionary prose; awaiting Brazilian Portuguese editorial review.