In 15 Sekunden
- Used to describe bravery in both big and small life moments.
- Combines the verb 'ter' (to have) with the noun 'coragem'.
- Works in formal, casual, and highly emotional settings.
Bedeutung
It means having the guts or the heart to do something difficult, scary, or even just slightly awkward. It's about finding that inner strength to take a leap, whether it's skydiving or finally asking your crush out.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Encouraging a friend before a speech
Você tem coragem, vai dar tudo certo!
You have courage, everything will be fine!
Talking about a daring traveler
Ela teve coragem de mudar para o Japão sozinha.
She had the courage to move to Japan alone.
In a professional performance review
O senhor teve coragem ao assumir esse projeto difícil.
You had courage in taking on this difficult project.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Brazil, 'ter coragem' is often used in a friendly, encouraging way. It's common to hear 'Tem coragem!' as a challenge among friends. In Portugal, the usage is slightly more reserved, often used in more serious or formal contexts. Similar to Brazil, it is used to express resilience in the face of daily challenges. Used to describe the strength needed to overcome social and economic hurdles.
The 'de' rule
Always remember the 'de' after 'coragem' if you are adding a verb. It's the most common mistake!
Don't use 'ser'
Never say 'Eu sou coragem'. It sounds like you are the abstract concept of courage itself.
In 15 Sekunden
- Used to describe bravery in both big and small life moments.
- Combines the verb 'ter' (to have) with the noun 'coragem'.
- Works in formal, casual, and highly emotional settings.
What It Means
Ter coragem is your go-to phrase for bravery. It comes from the word coração (heart). To have courage is to have 'heart' in Portuguese. It isn't just for heroes in movies. It is for anyone facing a challenge. It covers everything from big life changes to small, scary moments.
How To Use It
You use it just like 'to have' in English. Conjugate the verb ter (to have) and add coragem. If you want to say 'courage to do something,' use the preposition para. For example: Eu tenho coragem para viajar sozinho. It is simple, direct, and very powerful. You can also add muita (much) to show you are extra brave.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend is nervous about a job interview. Use it when you are at a restaurant and want to try that weird-looking octopus. It works perfectly when texting a friend who is scared of the dentist. It is great for motivational speeches or just cheering someone on. If someone does something bold, tell them they have muita coragem.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for simple physical strength. That is força. Don't use it for being 'rude' or 'bold' in a negative way. For that, Brazilians might use cara de pau. If you are just 'not scared' of a movie, não tenho medo is more natural. Ter coragem implies a choice to be brave.
Cultural Background
In Lusophone cultures, family and social bonds are huge. Often, ter coragem is linked to protecting others or following your dreams. There is a deep respect for people who are 'corajosos'. It reflects a history of explorers and people facing the unknown. It is a very positive trait to have in any Portuguese-speaking country.
Common Variations
You might hear coragem! shouted as an encouragement. It is like saying 'be brave!' or 'you can do it!'. Another common one is falta de coragem (lack of courage). If you are feeling lazy, you might jokingly say you don't have the coragem to get off the couch. It is a versatile little phrase for your daily life.
Nutzungshinweise
This phrase is extremely versatile and safe to use in any social situation. It is grammatically simple since it only requires the conjugation of the verb 'ter'.
The 'de' rule
Always remember the 'de' after 'coragem' if you are adding a verb. It's the most common mistake!
Don't use 'ser'
Never say 'Eu sou coragem'. It sounds like you are the abstract concept of courage itself.
Use it for empathy
Use this phrase to validate someone else's struggle. 'Eu sei que você teve coragem de fazer isso' is a very kind thing to say.
Beispiele
6Você tem coragem, vai dar tudo certo!
You have courage, everything will be fine!
Used here as a confidence booster.
Ela teve coragem de mudar para o Japão sozinha.
She had the courage to move to Japan alone.
Describes a major life-changing decision.
O senhor teve coragem ao assumir esse projeto difícil.
You had courage in taking on this difficult project.
Shows respect for professional risk-taking.
Eu não tenho coragem de assistir esse filme de terror!
I don't have the courage to watch this horror movie!
A common, lighthearted way to admit being scared.
Preciso de muita coragem para sair da cama hoje.
I need a lot of courage to get out of bed today.
Hyperbolic and funny use for daily struggles.
É preciso ter coragem para dizer a verdade.
It is necessary to have courage to tell the truth.
A more philosophical or serious application.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition.
Eu não tive coragem ___ falar com ele.
The phrase 'ter coragem' is always followed by 'de' when connecting to a verb.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the best option:
You must use 'ter' (to have) and the preposition 'de'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Você vai pular de bungee jump? B: Não, eu não _____ de fazer isso!
The phrase 'ter coragem' fits perfectly here.
Match the situation to the most appropriate response.
Situation: Your friend is afraid to ask for a raise.
This is the most natural way to encourage someone.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenEu não tive coragem ___ falar com ele.
The phrase 'ter coragem' is always followed by 'de' when connecting to a verb.
Choose the best option:
You must use 'ter' (to have) and the preposition 'de'.
A: Você vai pular de bungee jump? B: Não, eu não _____ de fazer isso!
The phrase 'ter coragem' fits perfectly here.
Situation: Your friend is afraid to ask for a raise.
This is the most natural way to encourage someone.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
12 FragenNo, only for things that require bravery or overcoming fear.
It is neutral. It works in almost any situation.
'Ousadia' implies being bold or daring, sometimes even reckless.
It's a grammatical requirement for connecting the noun to the following infinitive verb.
Yes, 'tive coragem' is very common.
Yes, it is standard in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
You say 'Eu não tenho coragem'.
No, it's a standard collocation.
No, use 'força' for physical strength.
Yes, it's very common in dramatic dialogue.
Yes, it is one of the most natural ways to express bravery.
Yes, you can add 'muita' for emphasis.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Ter peito
synonymTo have guts.
Cara e coragem
builds onGoing in with nothing but determination.
Ser corajoso
contrastTo be a brave person.
Ter fibra
similarTo have grit.
