Portuguese Phrase
Vê se tem bordas douradas.
Meaning
The sentence means ‘Check if it has golden edges.’ It is a quick, informal way to ask someone to look at an object—like a picture frame, a cake, or a piece of jewelry—and confirm whether the edges are gilded.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are inspecting something and need a fast confirmation about its decorative details. It is common in casual conversation, at stores, or when helping a friend with a craft project.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vêsetembordasdouradas
Vê (imperative)
‘Vê’ is the informal imperative of the verb ‘ver’ (to see). It is used in spoken Brazilian Portuguese to give a quick request.
se (colloquial particle)
In the construction ‘vê se’, the particle ‘se’ does not have a reflexive meaning; it simply introduces a yes‑no clause, similar to ‘see if’ in English.
tem (present of ter)
‘Tem’ is the third‑person singular present of ‘ter’ (to have). It agrees with the implicit subject ‘it’ (the object being examined).
bordas douradas (noun phrase)
‘Bordas’ (edges) is a feminine plural noun; ‘douradas’ is an adjective that must agree in gender and number.
🗨In Conversation
Vê se tem bordas douradas?
Can you check if it has golden edges?
Sim, tem. Dá um brilho bem bonito.
Yes, it does. It gives a very nice shine.
✕Common Mistakes
Ver se tem bordas douradas.
‘Ver’ is the infinitive; the imperative form needed for a request is ‘Vê’ (or ‘Veja’ in a more formal register).
tem bordas dourado.
The adjective must agree with the noun in gender and number: ‘douradas’ (feminine plural).
Vê se tem bordas dourado?
Same agreement error; also the question mark is optional because the intonation already signals a request.
↔Alternatives
Veja se tem bordas douradas.
See if it has golden edges.
Confere se tem bordas douradas.
Confirm whether it has golden edges.
Olha se tem bordas douradas.
Look to see if it has golden edges.
Cultural Tip
‘Vê se’ is a very informal, spoken‑language construction used mainly in Brazil. It sounds friendly and a bit colloquial, so avoid it in formal writing or in a business email. In Portugal, speakers are more likely to use ‘Vê se’ less often, preferring ‘Veja se’ or ‘Verifique se’. Also, Brazilians love gold‑leaf details in décor, so asking about ‘bordas douradas’ is a common aesthetic concern.