Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Portuguese grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Eu tenho confiança.
What does the sentence Eu tenho confiança mean in English?
It translates as I have confidence. This means that the speaker is stating that they possess a sense of confidence or trust, although the exact nuance (self-confidence versus trust in something or someone) depends on the context.
What is the role of the subject pronoun Eu in this sentence, and is it always necessary?
Eu means I. In Portuguese, subject pronouns are often omitted because the verb conjugation (in this case tenho) already indicates that the subject is first person singular. However, including Eu can add clarity or emphasis—especially for learners—so while it isn’t always mandatory, it is perfectly acceptable.
How is the verb ter conjugated in this sentence, and why is it used in the form tenho?
The verb ter means to have. In this sentence, it is conjugated as tenho, which is the first person singular present form. This conjugation shows that the speaker is referring to themselves in the present.
What type of noun is confiança, and why is no article used with it?
Confiança is a feminine noun meaning confidence or trust. In this sentence, it is used in an abstract sense without an article, which is common in Portuguese when referring to general qualities or states. If you were specifying a particular instance of trust, an article might be appropriate, but for broad statements about possessing confidence, the article is often omitted.
How can the sentence be negated in Portuguese?
To form the negative, you simply add não before the verb. Thus, Eu tenho confiança becomes Eu não tenho confiança, which translates to I don't have confidence.
Does confiança imply self-confidence exclusively, or can it also refer to trust in others?
Confiança can convey both meanings. Without additional context, it serves as a general expression of having confidence. In some contexts, it might refer to self-confidence (trust in oneself), while in others it could indicate trust in other people or systems. The specific interpretation depends on the context in which the sentence is used.