Portuguese Phrase
Tenho 40 anos.
Meaning
The speaker is stating their age: ‘I am 40 years old.’ In Portuguese, age is expressed with the verb ‘ter’ (to have) rather than ‘ser’ (to be).
When to use
Use this sentence when you are asked about your age, when introducing yourself in a casual or semi‑formal setting, or when you need to give personal information on forms or documents.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tenho40anos.
Ter (present)
‘Tenho’ is the first‑person singular present of the verb ‘ter’ (to have), used to express age.
Cardinal numbers
‘40’ (quarenta) is a cardinal number; in Portuguese numbers are usually written as digits in informal writing.
Plural noun ‘anos’
‘Anos’ is the plural of ‘ano’ (year) and follows the number, agreeing in number.
Period punctuation
A period ends the statement; it is not spoken.
🗨In Conversation
Quantos anos você tem?
How old are you?
Tenho 40 anos.
I am 40 years old.
✕Common Mistakes
Sou 40 anos.
‘Ser’ is not used for age; the correct verb is ‘ter’.
Eu tem 40 anos.
The verb must agree with the speaker (first person singular).
Tenho 40 anos de vida.
While understandable, it is redundant; ‘de idade’ or nothing is preferred.
↔Alternatives
Tenho quarenta anos.
I am forty years old.
Eu tenho 40 anos.
I have 40 years.
Tenho 40 anos de idade.
I am 40 years of age.
Tenho quatro décadas.
I am four decades old.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil it is perfectly normal to mention your age in everyday conversation, especially when meeting new people. The verb ‘ter’ is always used for age; avoid ‘sou 40 anos’, which sounds ungrammatical. Older speakers may be more modest about stating their exact age, preferring a round number or an expression like ‘quatro décadas’.