Portuguese Phrase
O que tem pra beber?
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to "What is there for to drink?" but is used to inquire about available beverages. It's a very common and informal way to ask what drink options are offered, especially in Brazil.
When to use
Use this phrase when you're at a restaurant, bar, a friend's house, or any social gathering and want to know what drinks are being offered. It's suitable for most informal to semi-formal situations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
O quetemprabeber
O que
This is a common interrogative pronoun meaning 'what'. It's used to ask for information about something.
Tem (from Ter)
This is the third-person singular form of the verb 'ter' (to have). In this context, it functions impersonally, meaning 'there is/are' or 'what is available'.
Pra (contraction of Para)
'Pra' is an informal contraction of 'para' (for/to). While 'para' is grammatically correct, 'pra' is widely used in spoken Brazilian Portuguese and sounds very natural.
Beber
This is the infinitive form of the verb 'to drink'. It follows 'pra' (or 'para') to indicate the purpose or action.
🗨In Conversation
Olá! O que tem pra beber?
Hello! What is there to drink?
Temos água, suco e refrigerante.
We have water, juice, and soda.
✕Common Mistakes
O que é para beber?
While 'é' (from 'ser') means 'is', it's generally not used in this construction for asking about availability. 'Tem' (from 'ter') is the more natural and common choice.
O que você tem para beber?
While grammatically correct, omitting 'você' makes the phrase sound more natural and common in everyday Brazilian Portuguese, especially in informal contexts.
↔Alternatives
O que vocês têm para beber?
What do you all have to drink?
Quais são as opções de bebida?
What are the drink options?
Tem alguma coisa para beber?
Is there anything to drink?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, it's very common to use 'pra' as a contraction of 'para' (for/to) in informal speech. While 'para beber' is grammatically correct, 'pra beber' is much more frequently heard in casual conversation. Brazilians often offer drinks immediately upon a guest's arrival, so this phrase is useful for making your choice.