Eu tenho um carro.

I

Breakdown of Eu tenho um carro.

• ter: to have
• um: a
• o carro: the car

Questions & Answers about Eu tenho um carro.

Is 'tenho' a specific form of the verb 'ter'?

Yes. 'Tenho' is the first-person singular (eu) present tense form of the verb 'ter'. So when you say 'Eu tenho um carro', you're literally saying 'I have a car'.

Why do we use 'um' before 'carro' (instead of 'uma')?

The word 'carro' (car) is a masculine noun in Portuguese, so it needs the masculine indefinite article 'um'. If the noun were feminine (e.g., 'casa', house), you'd use 'uma' (as in 'uma casa').

How is the double 'r' in 'carro' pronounced in Brazilian Portuguese?

In Brazilian Portuguese, 'rr' can vary in pronunciation depending on the region. Often, it's pronounced like an 'h' sound in English ('ca-ho'), but in other areas, it can be more of a guttural sound or even a strong trill. Listening to native speakers is the best way to master these variations.

Why do we say 'Eu tenho' instead of just 'Tenho'?

In Portuguese, you can omit the subject 'eu' (I) because 'tenho' already implies the first person singular. However, saying 'Eu tenho' explicitly is also common, especially when emphasizing 'I' or in formal contexts.

Is it common to use 'ter' for possession in everyday Brazilian Portuguese?

Yes. 'Ter' is the usual verb for talking about possession or things you have. You might also encounter 'possuir' in more formal contexts, but 'ter' is definitely the go-to verb for daily use.