Portuguese Phrase
Tenho matemática e ciências.
Meaning
Literally, ‘I have math and science.’ In a school context it means the speaker’s schedule includes a mathematics class and a science class. It does not imply ownership of the subjects themselves.
When to use
Use this sentence when talking about your class timetable, what subjects you are taking, or when a teacher asks which subjects you have today.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tenhomatemáticaeciências.
Ter (present)
‘Tenho’ is the first‑person singular present of the verb ‘ter’, used to indicate possession or having something scheduled.
Noun gender
Both ‘matemática’ and ‘ciências’ are feminine nouns; note the accent on the final ‘‑á’ in ‘matemática’ and the tilde on ‘‑ẽ’ in ‘ciências’.
Coordinating conjunction
‘e’ simply links the two subjects, equivalent to ‘and’ in English.
🗨In Conversation
Que matérias você tem hoje?
Which subjects do you have today?
Tenho matemática e ciências.
I have math and science.
✕Common Mistakes
Sou matemática e ciências.
‘Ser’ describes identity, not having a class. Use ‘ter’ (Tenho) for scheduled subjects.
Tenho matematica e ciencias.
Missing accents change pronunciation and are considered spelling errors.
Tenho matemática e e ciências.
Avoid repeating the conjunction ‘e’. One ‘e’ is enough to link the nouns.
↔Alternatives
Tenho aula de matemática e ciências.
I have a math and science class.
Estou estudando matemática e ciências.
I am studying math and science.
Tenho matérias de matemática e ciências.
I have subjects of math and science.
Cultural Tip
In Brazilian schools the subject ‘ciências’ often covers biology, physics and chemistry together, unlike the more split‑up subjects in some other countries. When you talk about your schedule, Brazilians usually say ‘Tenho aula de…’ or simply ‘Tenho…’, using the verb ‘ter’ to indicate a class you’ll attend.