Portuguese Phrase
Só temos sabão.
Meaning
Literally, ‘We only have soap.’ The sentence stresses that soap is the only thing available – there is nothing else, such as shampoo, detergent, or other cleaning products.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to explain a limited stock of soap, for example in a store, at a campsite, or when a group is discussing what supplies are left.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sótemossabão
Só (adverb)
‘Só’ means ‘only’ or ‘just’. It is placed before the verb or noun it modifies.
temos (verb ter)
‘Temos’ is the first‑person plural present of ‘ter’ (to have). It must agree with the subject ‘nós’ (we).
sabão (noun)
‘Sabão’ is a masculine singular noun meaning ‘soap’. The plural is ‘sabões’.
🗨In Conversation
O que vocês têm para lavar as mãos?
What do you have to wash your hands?
Só temos sabão.
We only have soap.
✕Common Mistakes
Só tem sabão.
‘Tem’ is third‑person singular; the subject is ‘nós’, so the correct form is ‘temos’.
Só temos sabões.
Use the singular ‘sabão’ unless you are talking about multiple kinds of soap.
↔Alternatives
Temos apenas sabão.
We have only soap.
Só há sabão.
There is only soap.
Só temos sabão disponível.
We only have soap available.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, soap (especially liquid hand soap) is a staple in homes, schools, and public restrooms. When you hear ‘Só temos sabão’, it often implies a shortage of other hygiene products, which can be a common situation in small shops or during travel. Remember that ‘só’ can also appear after the verb – ‘Temos só sabão’ – with the same meaning, but the pre‑verb position is more natural in everyday speech.