Portuguese Phrase
Do que você tem medo?
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to inquire about someone's fears or phobias in Portuguese. Unlike English, which uses the verb 'to be' (are you afraid), Portuguese uses the verb 'ter' (to have), literally asking 'Of what you have fear?'
When to use
Use this during personal conversations when discussing phobias, anxieties, or life challenges. It is appropriate for both casual friends and more intimate settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Do quevocêtemmedo
Prepositional Contraction
'Do que' is the contraction of 'de' (of) and 'o que' (what). The preposition 'de' is mandatory because 'medo' requires it.
Verbo Ter
'Tem' is the third-person singular of 'ter'. In Portuguese, physical and emotional states like hunger, cold, and fear are 'had' rather than 'been'.
🗨In Conversation
Do que você tem medo?
What are you afraid of?
Eu tenho muito medo de cobras.
I am very afraid of snakes.
✕Common Mistakes
O que você é medo?
Avoid using 'ser' (to be); in Portuguese, you 'have' fear using the verb 'ter'.
Que você tem medo?
The verb 'ter medo' requires the preposition 'de', which combines with 'que' to form 'do que'.
↔Alternatives
Você tem medo de quê?
You have fear of what?
Qual é o seu maior medo?
What is your biggest fear?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, it is quite common to talk about fears like 'medo de barata' (fear of cockroaches) or 'medo de altura' (fear of heights) in social settings. The use of 'você' is ubiquitous in Brazil, but in Portugal, you might hear 'De que é que tens medo?' in informal contexts.