Portuguese Phrase
Os inquilinos têm direito à sua privacidade.
Meaning
This phrase translates to "Tenants have the right to their privacy." It asserts a fundamental entitlement of individuals renting a property to have their personal space and information respected. This means landlords generally cannot enter the rented premises without proper notice or interfere with the tenant's personal life.
When to use
This phrase is typically used in discussions concerning tenant rights, legal disputes, or when a tenant feels their personal space has been infringed upon by a landlord. It's a formal and assertive statement, often found in legal documents, rental agreements, or advocacy for tenant protections. It highlights a crucial aspect of the landlord-tenant relationship.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Os inquilinostêmdireitoàsuaprivacidade
Os inquilinos
This is the plural definite article 'Os' (the) combined with the plural noun 'inquilinos' (tenants). It functions as the subject of the sentence.
têm
This is the third-person plural conjugation of the verb 'ter' (to have). Note the circumflex accent (^) on the 'e', which distinguishes it from the singular 'tem' (he/she/it has).
direito a
The noun 'direito' (right) is commonly followed by the preposition 'a' when indicating what one has a right *to*. This structure is crucial for expressing entitlements.
à
This is a crase, the fusion of the preposition 'a' (from 'direito a') and the feminine definite article 'a' (which precedes 'sua privacidade'). It's essential for correct grammar when 'a' meets 'a'.
sua privacidade
Here, 'sua' is a possessive adjective meaning 'their' (or 'your' formal/singular). It agrees in gender with the feminine noun 'privacidade' (privacy), indicating that the privacy belongs to the tenants.
🗨In Conversation
O senhorio quer entrar no apartamento amanhã sem avisar.
The landlord wants to enter the apartment tomorrow without notice.
Isso não está certo. Os inquilinos têm direito à sua privacidade.
That's not right. Tenants have the right to their privacy.
✕Common Mistakes
Os inquilinos têm direito o seu privacidade.
The noun "privacidade" is feminine, so the possessive adjective must be "sua" (feminine), not "o seu" (masculine). Additionally, "direito" takes the preposition "a", leading to the crase "à".
Os inquilinos têm direito a sua privacidade.
The noun "direito" (right) requires the preposition "a" when followed by what one has a right *to*. When this "a" meets the feminine definite article "a" (implied before "sua privacidade"), they combine into "à" (crase).
Os inquilinos são direito à sua privacidade.
To express "to have a right," the verb "ter" (to have) is used, not "ser" (to be). "São" is a conjugation of "ser."
↔Alternatives
Os locatários têm direito à privacidade.
Lessees have the right to privacy.
A privacidade dos inquilinos deve ser respeitada.
The privacy of tenants must be respected.
Eles têm direito à sua vida privada.
They have the right to their private life.
Cultural Tip
In many Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Brazil and Portugal, tenant rights are robustly protected by law, often requiring landlords to provide significant advance notice (e.g., 24-48 hours) before entering a rented property, even for maintenance. This phrase reflects a widely accepted legal and social principle. Asserting this right is common and expected when boundaries are crossed, emphasizing the importance of respecting personal space within the home.