Portuguese Phrase
Você tem irmãos?
Meaning
This is the standard way to ask someone if they have brothers or sisters. In Portuguese, the masculine plural noun 'irmãos' is used to refer to siblings in general, regardless of their gender. It is a fundamental phrase for basic social interaction and learning about someone's family.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are getting to know someone and want to ask about their family background. It is suitable for casual conversations, dates, or even networking events in a friendly context.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vocêtemirmãos?
Você
The standard second-person singular pronoun in Brazil, used in most social contexts.
Ter (tem)
The verb 'ter' means 'to have'. In this sentence, 'tem' is the third-person singular conjugation used with 'você'.
Irmãos
The plural of 'irmão' (brother). It follows the rule where the masculine plural represents a mixed-gender group.
🗨In Conversation
Você tem irmãos?
Do you have siblings?
Sim, eu tenho dois irmãos e uma irmã.
Yes, I have two brothers and one sister.
✕Common Mistakes
Você tem irmãs?
Using 'irmãs' specifically asks if they have sisters; use 'irmãos' to ask about siblings of any gender.
Tem você irmãos?
In Brazilian Portuguese, it is much more common to place the subject 'você' before the verb in a question.
↔Alternatives
Você tem algum irmão?
Do you have any siblings?
Quantos irmãos você tem?
How many siblings do you have?
Cultural Tip
Family is a central part of life in Lusophone cultures, especially in Brazil. Asking about siblings is a very common and polite way to show interest in someone's life. Don't be surprised if the conversation quickly moves into more details about their parents or extended family.