Portuguese Phrase
Quantos alunos você tem na sua turma?
Meaning
This phrase is a direct and common way to inquire about the number of students in someone's class. It's used to gather information about class size, whether in an academic or teaching context. It literally translates to "How many students you have in your class?".
When to use
You would use this phrase when talking to a teacher, a student, or an administrator about a specific class. It's appropriate in educational settings, during casual conversations about school, or when comparing class sizes with friends or colleagues.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quantosalunosvocêtemnasuaturma?
Quantos
'Quantos' means 'how many'. It is a masculine plural interrogative adjective that agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies, which is 'alunos' (students).
tem (Ter)
'Tem' is the conjugation of the verb 'ter' (to have) for 'você' (you). 'Ter' is used to express possession or existence, similar to 'to have' in English.
na
'Na' is a contraction of the preposition 'em' (in) and the definite article 'a' (the). It means 'in the' and is used here with the feminine noun 'turma' (class).
sua
'Sua' is a possessive adjective meaning 'your'. It agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies, 'turma' (feminine singular).
🗨In Conversation
Oi, professor! Quantos alunos você tem na sua turma de português?
Hi, professor! How many students do you have in your Portuguese class?
Olá! Tenho vinte alunos este semestre.
Hello! I have twenty students this semester.
✕Common Mistakes
Quantos alunos você é na sua turma?
The verb 'ser' (to be) is used for identity or permanent characteristics. For possession or existence in this context, you should use 'ter' (to have).
Quantos alunos você tem em sua turma?
While 'em' is grammatically correct, 'na' (a contraction of 'em' + 'a') is the more natural and common way to say 'in the' when referring to 'in the class' in Brazilian Portuguese.
↔Alternatives
Qual é o tamanho da sua turma?
What is the size of your class?
Sua turma tem muitos alunos?
Does your class have many students?
Quantas pessoas há na sua turma?
How many people are in your class?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, asking about class size is generally a neutral and common question, especially in educational or professional settings. It's a straightforward way to gather information and doesn't typically carry any particular social weight or imply judgment. It's perfectly acceptable in both formal and informal contexts.