Portuguese Phrase
Tem banheiros acessíveis?
Meaning
Literally, “Are there accessible bathrooms?” The speaker is asking whether a location provides restrooms that are equipped for people with mobility impairments, such as wheelchair‑friendly stalls and grab bars.
When to use
Use this question when you arrive at a public building, restaurant, museum, or any venue and need to know if the facilities meet accessibility standards. It’s especially handy for travelers with disabilities or when you’re helping someone else find a suitable restroom.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tembanheirosacessíveis?
Tem (ter) as existence verb
In informal Brazilian Portuguese, "tem" (third‑person singular of *ter*) is often used like "há" to ask if something exists.
Banheiros – plural noun
"Banheiro" means bathroom; the plural adds –s (banheiros). No article is needed when using "tem" for existence.
Acessíveis – adjective agreement
The adjective "acessível" must agree in number and gender with the noun, so the plural form is "acessíveis".
Question mark placement
Portuguese uses only one question mark at the end of the sentence, unlike Spanish which uses opening and closing marks.
🗨In Conversation
Tem banheiros acessíveis?
Are there accessible bathrooms?
Sim, temos um no primeiro andar, ao lado da entrada principal.
Yes, we have one on the first floor, next to the main entrance.
✕Common Mistakes
Tem banheiros acessível?
The adjective must agree with the plural noun "banheiros"; use "acessíveis".
Tem os banheiros acessíveis?
When using "tem" for existence, do not add a definite article before the noun.
Tem há banheiros acessíveis?
While "há" is correct, mixing "tem" and "há" in the same sentence sounds unnatural.
↔Alternatives
Existe banheiro acessível?
Is there an accessible bathroom?
Há banheiros adaptados aqui?
Are there adapted bathrooms here?
Posso usar o banheiro para cadeirantes?
Can I use the wheelchair‑friendly bathroom?
Cultural Tip
Brazil has a strong legal framework for accessibility (Lei Brasileira de Inclusão and the ABNT NBR 9050 standard). Most modern public places display the universal accessibility symbol (a wheelchair inside a circle). However, the quality of facilities can vary, so it’s always polite to ask before assuming the bathroom meets your needs. In some regions, you may hear "banheiro adaptado" instead of "banheiro acessível".