Questions & Answers about Tenho fome.
What is the literal meaning of tenho in the sentence tenho fome?
Tenho is the first person singular form of the verb ter, which means to have. Literally, tenho fome translates as I have hunger, though idiomatically it means I am hungry.
Why does Portuguese use a construction that translates literally to I have hunger instead of I am hungry?
In Portuguese, many states such as hunger are expressed using the verb ter (to have). This idiomatic expression reflects how the language conveys certain conditions: instead of describing oneself as being in a state (like being hungry), you express it as having that feeling.
Do I need to include a subject pronoun (like eu) when saying tenho fome?
No, including the subject pronoun is unnecessary because the verb conjugation in Portuguese already indicates that the subject is I. The sentence tenho fome is complete and clear without it.
Are there alternative ways to express the idea of being hungry in Portuguese?
Yes, another common expression is estou com fome, which translates literally to I am with hunger. Both tenho fome and estou com fome are understood to mean I am hungry, though tenho fome is very standard in European Portuguese.
Why don’t we use an article before fome, like saying tenho a fome?
In this idiomatic expression, fome is used without an article. Portuguese often omits the definite article in expressions of feelings and states. So, tenho fome is correct, and adding an article (as in tenho a fome) would be grammatically incorrect in this context.
More from this lesson
AI Language TutorTry it ↗
“What's the best way to learn Portuguese grammar?”
Portuguese grammar becomes intuitive with practice. Focus on understanding the core patterns first — how sentences are structured, how verbs change form, and how words relate to each other. Our course breaks these concepts into small lessons so you can build understanding step by step.
Sign up free — start using our AI language tutor
Start learning PortugueseMaster Portuguese — from Tenho fome to fluency
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods.
- ✓ Infinitely deep — unlimited vocabulary and grammar
- ✓ Fast-paced — build complex sentences from the start
- ✓ Unforgettable — efficient spaced repetition system
- ✓ AI tutor to answer your grammar questions