Breakdown of Tu tens sede?
Questions & Answers about Tu tens sede?
Why does this sentence use tens (have) instead of a word for "are"?
In English we say "Are you thirsty?", but in Portuguese you literally ask "Do you have thirst?". You use the verb ter (to have) combined with the noun sede (thirst). Portuguese does this for many physical states, like being hungry (ter fome) or cold (ter frio). Where is the word for "Do" or "Are" to start the question?
Portuguese doesn't use helper words like "do" or "are" to make questions. You simply use the normal sentence order and raise the pitch of your voice at the end when speaking, or add a question mark when writing. Is it okay to leave out the word tu and just ask Tens sede?
Yes, it is very common to drop it! Because the verb form tens is only ever used with tu (informal you), the listener immediately knows who you are talking to without needing the pronoun. Can I use this exact sentence to ask a stranger if they are thirsty?
It is better not to. Tu is the informal "you", used for friends, family, and children. For a stranger, you should use the formal "you" and change the verb to tem, asking Você tem sede? or simply Tem sede? Learn Tu tens sede and more in Portuguese
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