Portuguese Phrase
Tem código de roupa?
Meaning
The sentence asks whether a particular place, event, or organization has a dress code – i.e., rules about what guests should wear. It’s a concise, polite way to check the expected attire.
When to use
Use this question when you’re about to attend a restaurant, conference, wedding, or any gathering where the appropriate clothing isn’t obvious. It works both in formal and informal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Temcódigoderoupa?
Tem (ter) as existence verb
In Portuguese, "tem" (third‑person singular of "ter") is often used like English "there is/are" to ask about the existence of something.
código de roupa (noun + prepositional phrase)
"código" is a masculine noun; the prepositional phrase "de roupa" specifies the type of code, literally "code of clothing".
de (preposition)
The preposition "de" links two nouns, similar to English "of" or "for".
Question intonation
When forming a yes/no question, the verb comes first and the sentence ends with a rising intonation, marked by the question mark.
🗨In Conversation
Tem código de roupa?
Is there a dress code?
Sim, é formal. Precisa de terno e gravata.
Yes, it’s formal. You need a suit and tie.
✕Common Mistakes
Há código de roupa?
"Há" is also correct for existence, but native speakers more often use "tem" in casual spoken Portuguese.
Tem o código de roupa?
Learners sometimes add an article: "Tem o código de roupa?" This sounds unnatural unless you refer to a specific known code.
Tem código de vestimenta?
Using "roupa" instead of the more common "vestimenta" is fine, but avoid mixing: "Tem código de vestimenta?" is the preferred formal version.
↔Alternatives
Existe um código de vestimenta?
Is there a dress code?
Há um dress code?
Is there a dress code?
Qual é o traje exigido?
What attire is required?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, "código de roupa" is less common than "código de vestimenta". For formal events, men are expected to wear a "terno" (suit) and "gravata" (tie), while women often wear a dress or a dressy outfit. Many restaurants and clubs use "smart‑casual" as a middle ground, so clarifying the code helps you avoid feeling under‑ or overdressed.