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Portuguese Phrase

Tem uma sala de informática?

/tẽ ˈũ.ma ˈsa.la dʒi ĩ.foɾ.maˈtʃi.kɐ/

Meaning"Is there a computer lab?"

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Meaning

This question asks whether a computer lab (or a room equipped with computers) exists in the building you are in. It can be used in schools, offices, libraries, or any place where you might need to find a place to work on a computer.

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When to use

Use it when you need to locate a computer lab, for example when you arrive at a university campus, ask a receptionist at a hotel, or inquire at a coworking space. It is a polite, neutral‑register question suitable for both formal and informal settings.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Temumasaladeinformática?

1

Ter (existence)

The verb 'ter' in the third‑person singular (tem) is often used like 'há' to ask if something exists.

2

Indefinite article

'Uma' is the feminine singular indefinite article, matching the gender of 'sala'.

3

Preposition de + noun

'De' links two nouns, indicating the type or purpose of the room (a computer room).

4

Noun informatica

'Informática' (computer science) works as a noun modifier; the stress is on the penultimate syllable.

🗨In Conversation

A

Tem uma sala de informática?

Is there a computer lab?

Sim, fica no segundo andar, ao lado da biblioteca.

Yes, it’s on the second floor, next to the library.

B

✕Common Mistakes

Tem um sala de informática?
The noun 'sala' is feminine, so the article must be 'uma', not 'um'.
Tem uma sala de informatica?
The accent on the final 'a' is required for correct pronunciation and meaning.
Temos uma sala de informática?
Use 'tem' (third‑person) when you are asking about the existence of a room; 'temos' means 'we have' and changes the meaning.

↔Alternatives

Existe uma sala de informática?
Does a computer lab exist?
Há uma sala de informática?
Is there a computer lab?
Temos uma sala de informática?
Do we have a computer lab?

Cultural Tip

In Brazil the most common term is 'sala de informática', but in some regions you’ll also hear 'lab de informática' or simply 'lab'. When speaking to staff, using the polite form 'Tem' is preferred; avoid the informal 'Tem' with a rising intonation that sounds like a command. Accents matter – 'informática' always carries the acute accent on the final 'a'.