Portuguese Phrase
Um livro tem 20 selos.
Meaning
The sentence states that a particular book contains twenty stamps. It can refer to a stamp‑collecting album, a book that includes postage stamps, or even a collection of stickers, depending on context.
When to use
Use this structure when you need to describe the quantity of items inside a book, such as in inventory lists, classroom activities about collections, or casual conversation about a hobby like philately.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Umlivrotem20selos
Um (indefinite article)
Used before masculine singular nouns to mean 'a' or 'one'.
livro (noun)
Masculine singular noun meaning 'book'.
tem (verb ter)
Third‑person singular present of 'ter' meaning 'has' or 'contains'.
20 (cardinal number)
Written as 'vinte' in words; used to indicate quantity.
selos (noun)
Masculine plural noun meaning 'stamps' (postal) or 'stickers'.
🗨In Conversation
Quantos selos tem o seu livro?
How many stamps does your book have?
Um livro tem 20 selos.
A book has 20 stamps.
✕Common Mistakes
Um livro têm 20 selos.
Use the singular form 'tem' because the subject 'um livro' is singular.
Um livro tem 20 selo.
The noun must agree in number with the quantity; use the plural 'selos'.
↔Alternatives
Um livro possui 20 selos.
A book possesses 20 stamps.
O livro contém 20 selos.
The book contains 20 stamps.
Há 20 selos neste livro.
There are 20 stamps in this book.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, "selos" most often refers to postage stamps, but it can also mean stickers, especially in school contexts. When speaking formally (e.g., a museum catalog) you might prefer "possui" or "contém"; in everyday conversation "tem" is perfectly natural.