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Expressing "There is" and "There are" in Brazilian Portuguese

In Brazilian Portuguese, expressing the concept of "there is" or "there are" involves an interesting split between formal grammar and everyday spoken language. There are three main verbs used to express this: haver, ter, and existir.

1. Formal and Written Portuguese: Haver

Formally and in written texts, the verb haver is used in its third-person singular form, há. Because it functions as an impersonal verb when denoting existence, it never pluralizes, regardless of whether the noun that follows is singular or plural.

• Há um problema aqui. (There is a problem here.)
• Há muitas pessoas na sala. (There are many people in the room.)

2. Everyday Spoken Portuguese: Ter

In everyday Brazilian speech, the verb ter (which literally means "to have") almost entirely replaces haver for this purpose. Just like haver, when ter is used to mean "there is/are," it remains strictly impersonal and is always used in the third-person singular form, tem.

• Tem um cachorro na rua. (There is a dog in the street.)
• Tem muitos carros no trânsito. (There are many cars in traffic.)

3. Both Contexts: Existir

Alternatively, the verb existir (to exist) can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, unlike the impersonal haver and ter, it acts as a regular personal verb. This means it must agree with the number (singular or plural) of the noun that follows.

• Existe uma saída. (There is a way out.)
• Existem várias opções. (There are several options.)