Portuguese Phrase
Tem um barulho alto.
Meaning
The sentence states that there is a loud noise in the environment. It can be used to draw attention to a disturbance or to describe a situation where a sound is noticeably strong.
When to use
Use this phrase when you hear a sudden, disruptive sound—like traffic, construction, or a neighbor’s music—and want to comment on it, either casually with friends or politely when asking someone to lower the volume.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Temumbarulhoalto
Ter (impersonal)
In Portuguese, the verb “ter” is often used impersonally to indicate existence, similar to “there is/are” in English.
Indefinite article “um”
“Um” is the masculine singular indefinite article, equivalent to “a” or “an”. It must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
Noun “barulho”
“Barulho” means “noise” or “sound”. It is a masculine noun, so it takes the article “um”.
Adjective agreement
Adjectives in Portuguese agree in gender and number with the noun they describe; “alto” (loud, high) matches the masculine singular “barulho”.
🗨In Conversation
Tem um barulho alto.
There’s a loud noise.
É o caminhão passando na rua.
It’s the truck passing on the street.
✕Common Mistakes
É um barulho alto.
“É” is used for identity (e.g., “It is a loud noise”), not for indicating existence. Use “Tem” or “Há”.
Tem um barulho alta.
The adjective must agree with the masculine noun “barulho”. “Alta” is feminine.
Tem um barulho altos.
Both the article and adjective must stay singular because the noun is singular.
↔Alternatives
Há um barulho alto.
There is a loud noise.
Está muito barulhento aqui.
It’s very noisy here.
Escuto um som alto.
I hear a loud sound.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, commenting on noise is common, especially in apartment buildings where residents often ask each other politely to keep the volume down. Using “Tem” sounds natural and informal; for a more formal request you might say “Há muito barulho aqui, poderia diminuir o volume, por favor?”.