Tenha coragem
Littéralement: Have courage
Use it to sincerely encourage someone facing a challenge, from a job interview to a difficult conversation.
En 15 secondes
- A supportive way to say 'be brave' in difficult moments.
- Uses the verb 'ter' to encourage someone to find inner strength.
- Works for both major life hurdles and everyday nervous moments.
Signification
This is a warm way to tell someone to 'be brave' or 'have courage' when they are facing a challenge. It's like giving them a supportive pat on the back to help them push through fear or hesitation.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Encouraging a friend before a job interview
Tenha coragem, você está muito bem preparado!
Have courage, you are very well prepared!
A doctor speaking to a patient
Tenha coragem, o tratamento vai correr bem.
Have courage, the treatment will go well.
Texting a sibling who is moving abroad
Vai dar tudo certo. Tenha coragem!
Everything will work out. Have courage!
Contexte culturel
In Lusophone cultures, 'coragem' is deeply linked to the concept of 'fado' or destiny. It implies that while life is hard, one must face it with dignity. It's a phrase often passed from elders to the younger generation during times of economic or personal transition.
Shorten it for speed
In a rush? Just shout 'Coragem!' It works exactly like 'Courage!' in English and is very common in Portugal.
Watch the 'H'
The 'nh' in 'Tenha' sounds like the 'ny' in 'canyon'. Don't pronounce it like 'ten-ha' with an English H sound.
En 15 secondes
- A supportive way to say 'be brave' in difficult moments.
- Uses the verb 'ter' to encourage someone to find inner strength.
- Works for both major life hurdles and everyday nervous moments.
What It Means
Tenha coragem is your go-to phrase for encouragement. It comes from the verb ter (to have). You are literally telling someone to possess the bravery they need. It is not just about being a hero. It is about facing small, scary daily moments too.
How To Use It
Use it as a standalone command or part of a sentence. You can say it when a friend is nervous. It works well before big life events. Just remember that tenha is the formal or polite imperative. In very casual speech, you might hear tem coragem. However, tenha coragem sounds more like a sincere, heartfelt wish.
When To Use It
Use it when someone is about to do something difficult. Maybe they are starting a new job. Perhaps they are finally asking their crush out. It is perfect for hospital visits or tough exams. Use it in a text to show support. It feels solid, grounded, and very kind.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for trivial things. If someone is choosing between pizza toppings, it is too dramatic. Avoid it if someone is truly grieving deeply. In those cases, meus pêsames is better. It can sound a bit heavy if used for minor inconveniences. Don't use it if you are trying to be sarcastic. It usually carries a weight of sincerity.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture values resilience and 'força' (strength). Bravery isn't just about physical acts. It is about 'enfrentar a vida' (facing life) with your head high. There is a certain poetic weight to the word coragem. It stems from the heart (cor). So, you are essentially telling them to 'have heart'.
Common Variations
Tenha muita coragem(Have a lot of courage)Coragem!(Just the noun, used as an exclamation)Força e coragem(Strength and courage)Ânimo!(Cheer up / Get some spirit)
Notes d'usage
The phrase is neutral and versatile. While 'Tenha' is technically the formal imperative, it is used widely in all social circles to provide sincere emotional support.
Shorten it for speed
In a rush? Just shout 'Coragem!' It works exactly like 'Courage!' in English and is very common in Portugal.
Watch the 'H'
The 'nh' in 'Tenha' sounds like the 'ny' in 'canyon'. Don't pronounce it like 'ten-ha' with an English H sound.
The 'Força' Connection
You'll often hear 'Tenha coragem e muita força'. Brazilians and Portuguese people love pairing these two for maximum support.
Exemples
6Tenha coragem, você está muito bem preparado!
Have courage, you are very well prepared!
A classic way to boost someone's confidence.
Tenha coragem, o tratamento vai correr bem.
Have courage, the treatment will go well.
Professional yet empathetic support.
Vai dar tudo certo. Tenha coragem!
Everything will work out. Have courage!
Short, punchy, and supportive via text.
Olhe para a frente e tenha coragem.
Look ahead and have courage.
Direct instruction during a scary moment.
Tenha coragem, essa pimenta é um perigo!
Have courage, this pepper is a danger!
Using a serious phrase for a silly situation.
Tenha coragem de dizer o que você sente.
Have the courage to say what you feel.
Focuses on emotional bravery.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct verb form to complete the encouraging phrase.
___ coragem! Tudo vai melhorar logo.
The imperative form 'Tenha' is used to give a command or a wish for the future.
Complete the sentence to tell someone to be brave during a test.
Você estudou muito, agora ___ coragem na hora da prova.
You are addressing the person directly, so 'tenha' (you have) is the correct imperative.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Tenha coragem'
Friends often just say 'Coragem!' or 'Força!'
Coragem, cara!
Standard way to encourage anyone.
Tenha coragem.
Used in speeches or writing.
Que todos tenham coragem.
When to say 'Tenha coragem'
Job Interview
Before the big meeting.
Public Speaking
Right before the stage.
Difficult Talk
Ending a relationship.
Big Move
Moving to a new city.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all, though it sounds a bit more 'grand' than just saying Força. It’s perfect when the situation is actually serious.
Usually, you'd say Preciso de coragem (I need courage) or Tenho que ter coragem (I have to have courage) instead.
Coragem is bravery to face fear, while força is the strength to endure a long struggle.
Yes, in Brazil this is very common in casual speech, though Tenha is grammatically the standard imperative.
Seja corajoso is the literal 'Be brave', but Tenha coragem is much more common as a phrase of encouragement.
Yes, it is perfectly understood and used in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
Yes, if a colleague is going through a hard time, Tenha coragem is a very respectful way to show support.
It can be used in religious contexts, but it is primarily a secular, everyday expression.
Using the word bravo instead of coragem. In Portuguese, bravo usually means 'angry' or 'wild', not 'brave'.
Not exactly slang, but people might say Vai na fé (Go in faith) to mean something very similar.
Expressions liées
Força!
Be strong! / Keep going!
Ânimo!
Cheer up! / Have some spirit!
Não desista
Don't give up.
Vai dar tudo certo
Everything will work out.
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