How to Say To Need in Portuguese: Verb Precisar

I am preparing for my upcoming trip to Brazil (yay!) and thought that my to-do list would provide good examples of how we use the verb Precisar in Portuguese. The lesson includes useful phrases and vocabulary to get your Portuguese smarter.

Precisar = To need

The verb Precisar is a regular verb.

The Verb Precisar Followed by a Verb

The verb precisar does not require preposition when it is followed by a verb. This verb will always be in the infinitive (base form).

Examples:

• Eu preciso tirar dinheiro para a viagem. (I need to withdraw cash for the trip.)

 

• Preciso comprar um biquini novo assim que chegar ao Brasil. (I need to buy a new bikini as soon as I get to Brazil.)

• A gente precisa comprar presentes para minha família. (We need to buy gifts for my family.)

 

Learn more: Using “A gente” – Make your Portuguese even smarter

 

The Verb Precisar Followed by a Noun

The verb precisar requires the proposition DE, or one of its contractions, when followed by a
noun.

Compare the examples below with the ones above:

• Eu preciso de dinheiro para a viagem. (I need cash for the trip.)

• Eu preciso de um biquini novo assim que chegar ao Brasil. (I need a new bikini as soon as I get to Brazil.)

• A gente precisa de presentes para minha família. (We need gifts for my family.)

 

Let’s see a few examples using the contractions of the preposition DE:

• Mariana precisa deste livro. (Mariana needs this book.)

• Você precisa daquelas revistas? (Do you need those magazines?)

• Preciso do seu número de telefone. (I need your phone number.)

• Cadê o dicionário? Estou precisando dele. (Where is the dictionary? I need it.)

Pronto. Agora você precisa praticar seu português 🙂

Please note: In Portugal the preposition “de” is always used, even when the verb Precisar is followed by a verb.

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