Meaning
States a lack of possession.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, it is common to drop the 'Eu' and just say 'Não tenho'. People may use 'Não possuo' in formal settings to sound more polite. The phrase is universally understood and neutral.
Drop the pronoun
You can just say 'Não tenho' to sound more natural in Brazil.
Don't use for identity
Never use 'tenho' to describe yourself (e.g., age, height).
Meaning
States a lack of possession.
Drop the pronoun
You can just say 'Não tenho' to sound more natural in Brazil.
Don't use for identity
Never use 'tenho' to describe yourself (e.g., age, height).
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
Eu ___ um carro.
Ter is the verb for possession.
Which is correct?
How to say 'I don't have time'?
Use 'ter' for possession of time.
Match the phrase to its meaning.
Eu não tenho -> I don't have
Direct translation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Você tem uma caneta? B: ____.
Correct response to a question about possession.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu ___ um carro.
Ter is the verb for possession.
How to say 'I don't have time'?
Use 'ter' for possession of time.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Direct translation.
A: Você tem uma caneta? B: ____.
Correct response to a question about possession.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, but use 'Não disponho de' for a more formal tone.
Yes, the grammar is identical.
Say 'Eu não tenho nenhum'.
Because 'tenho' is the first-person conjugation.
Only for some, like 'paciência' or 'medo'.
No, it is a neutral statement of fact.
Related Phrases
Não tenho nada
builds onI have nothing
Não tenho certeza
specialized formI am not sure
Não tenho tempo
specialized formI don't have time
