Portuguese Phrase
Tem um tempinho?
Meaning
This phrase is a common, informal way to ask if someone is available for a quick conversation. The use of the diminutive 'tempinho' (little time) makes the request sound softer and less demanding, suggesting that you won't take much of their time.
When to use
Use this phrase when approaching a colleague at their desk, calling a friend, or stopping someone to ask a quick favor. It is ideal for casual or semi-formal situations where you want to be polite about interrupting someone.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Temumtempinho?
Ter (Tem)
In informal Brazilian Portuguese, the verb 'ter' is used as a shorthand for 'você tem' (you have) or even 'there is'.
Diminutive (-inho)
The suffix '-inho' is added to 'tempo' to create 'tempinho', conveying a sense of brevity and politeness.
🗨In Conversation
Oi, João! Tem um tempinho?
Hi, João! Do you have a little time?
Com certeza, pode falar!
Of course, go ahead!
✕Common Mistakes
Você tem um tempo pequeno?
While 'tempo pequeno' literally means 'small time', Portuguese speakers almost exclusively use the diminutive 'tempinho' to express this sentiment.
Tem um tempo?
While grammatically correct, using 'tempo' without the diminutive can sometimes sound slightly more direct or urgent than 'tempinho'.
↔Alternatives
Pode falar agora?
Can you talk now?
Você está ocupado?
Are you busy?
Tem um minuto?
Do you have a minute?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, using the diminutive form is a key social lubricant. Adding '-inho' to words like 'tempo', 'café', or 'minuto' makes interactions feel warmer and reduces the perceived burden of a request, reflecting the importance of 'jeitinho' and friendliness in Brazilian culture.