Portuguese Phrase
Tem estacionamento?
Meaning
Literally ‘Do you have parking?’, this question is used to find out whether a place offers a parking facility. It can be asked to a receptionist, a shop clerk, or even read on a sign.
When to use
Use this phrase when you arrive at a hotel, restaurant, shopping centre, or any public venue and need to know if you can leave your car there. It works both in formal settings (talking to staff) and informal ones (asking a local on the street).
✦Grammar Breakdown
Temestacionamento?
Ter (present)
‘Tem’ is the third‑person singular present form of the verb ‘ter’ (to have). It is used to ask if something exists or is available.
Estacionamento
A masculine noun meaning ‘parking lot’ or ‘parking space’. In Brazil it is the standard word; in Portugal you’ll also hear ‘parqueamento’.
🗨In Conversation
Tem estacionamento?
Is there parking?
Sim, temos um estacionamento gratuito ao lado da entrada.
Yes, we have a free parking lot right next to the entrance.
✕Common Mistakes
Tem estacionamento?
Do not use ‘Tem’ with a plural subject; use ‘Temos’ (we have) or ‘Há’ (there is/are) instead.
↔Alternatives
Há estacionamento?
Is there parking?
Existe estacionamento?
Does parking exist?
Tem lugar para estacionar?
Is there a place to park?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, ‘estacionamento’ is the everyday word for a parking lot, while ‘parqueamento’ is more common in Portugal. Signs often use the symbol of a car with a ‘P’ inside a blue square. Many urban areas charge hourly rates, so it’s useful to ask ‘Quanto custa o estacionamento?’ (How much does parking cost?). Remember to say ‘Obrigado/a’ after you receive help – politeness goes a long way in Portuguese‑speaking countries.