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Portuguese Phrase

Tem algum código de roupa?

/tẽ aˈɡum ˈkodʒiɡu dʒi ˈʁow.pɐ/
Meaning"Is there a dress code?"
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Meaning

The sentence asks whether a specific dress code exists for an event, workplace, or gathering. It’s the Portuguese equivalent of ‘Is there a dress code?’

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When to use

Use this phrase when you’re invited to a party, a job interview, a conference, or any situation where the expected attire isn’t clear. It works in both formal and informal contexts.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Temalgumcódigoderoupa?

1

Ter (3ª pessoa singular)

‘Tem’ is the present‑tense form of ‘ter’ used for ‘he/she/it has’ or ‘there is/are’ in informal questions.

2

Algum (indefinite adjective)

‘Algum’ means ‘any’ and agrees in gender and number with the noun that follows (masculine singular here).

3

Código de roupa (noun phrase)

‘Código’ (code) is modified by the prepositional phrase ‘de roupa’, literally ‘of clothing’, i.e., dress code.

4

Question formation

Portuguese questions often keep the declarative word order; intonation or a question mark signals the interrogative.

🗨In Conversation

A

Tem algum código de roupa?

Is there a dress code?

Sim, é formal: terno e gravata para os homens, vestido elegante para as mulheres.

Yes, it’s formal: a suit and tie for men, an elegant dress for women.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Há algum código de roupa?

    ‘Há’ also means ‘there is/are’, but in everyday spoken Portuguese ‘tem’ is more natural for this question.

  • Tem algum código de roupas?

    ‘Roupas’ is plural; the phrase asks about a single set of rules, so keep it singular: ‘código de roupa’.

  • Tem algum código de vestimenta?

    While correct, using ‘código de roupa’ matches the wording of most invitations in Brazil.

↔Alternatives

  • Existe um código de vestimenta?

    Is there a dress code?

  • Qual é o traje exigido?

    What is the required attire?

  • Preciso saber o dress code.

    I need to know the dress code.

pt

Cultural Tip

In Brazil, dress codes are often described as ‘traje social’ (formal) or ‘traje casual’. When you ask about a code, it’s polite to use a neutral tone and, if the event is formal, to expect a suit, blazer, or a nice dress. In some regions, ‘código de roupa’ and ‘código de vestimenta’ are interchangeable, but ‘vestimenta’ sounds slightly more formal.