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How to Say ‘Yes, I do.’ in Portuguese

Tenho, sim.

TEN-yoo seeng

[TEN-yoo seeng]

💬 Usage Tip: Portuguese often answers yes by repeating the verb from the question: asked tem?, you reply tenho. Adding sim just reinforces it, as in Posso? — Pode, sim.

Phrase Breakdown

Tenho

[TEN-yoo]

I have

First person singular of 'ter'; used to form compound expressions about recent experience.

Example

Tenho tentado dormir mais cedo.

I have been trying to sleep earlier.

sim

[seeng]

yes / indeed

Adds emphasis to a positive answer.

Example

A palavra "sim" reforça a resposta: Há sim.

The word "sim" reinforces the answer: Yes, there is indeed.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

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