Portuguese Phrase
Tem alguma vaga?
Meaning
Literally, 'Is there any vacancy?' The phrase is used to ask whether an opening exists, whether it’s a job position, a parking space, a seat in a class, or any other kind of available slot.
When to use
Use this question when you arrive at a crowded venue and need a parking spot, when you’re looking for a job and want to know if the company is hiring, or when you need a seat in a full class or event.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Temalgumavaga?
Ter (tem)
The verb 'ter' in third‑person singular (tem) is often used like the English 'there is/are' to indicate existence.
Alguma (indefinite adjective)
Alguma means 'any' or 'some' and agrees in gender and number with the noun that follows.
Vaga (noun)
Vaga can refer to a job opening, a parking spot, a seat, or any available slot; it is feminine singular.
🗨In Conversation
Com licença, tem alguma vaga para estacionar aqui?
Excuse me, is there any parking spot here?
Ainda tem duas vagas livres na frente.
There are still two free spots up front.
✕Common Mistakes
Tem vagas?
While grammatically correct, using the plural 'vagas' changes the nuance; it asks about multiple openings rather than any single one.
Tem algum vaga?
The adjective must agree in gender; 'algum' is masculine, but 'vaga' is feminine, so it should be 'alguma vaga'.
Tem a vaga?
Using the definite article 'a' implies a specific known vacancy; the indefinite 'alguma' is needed when you don’t know which one.
↔Alternatives
Há alguma vaga?
Is there any vacancy?
Existe alguma vaga?
Does any vacancy exist?
Tem vaga disponível?
Is there a spot available?
Tem vagas abertas?
Are there any openings?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, 'vaga' is most often heard in two everyday contexts: parking and job hunting. When you ask a receptionist about a job, you’ll usually add the department, e.g., 'Tem alguma vaga no setor de marketing?'. In a parking lot, locals often drop the word 'alguma' and simply say 'Tem vaga?' – a quick, informal way to check availability.