Signification
To state the need for a taxi service.
Contexte culturel
In Brazil, taxis are often hailed using apps like '99' or 'Uber', but traditional yellow taxis (in Rio) are still very common. You can find them at 'pontos de táxi'. In Lisbon, taxis are traditionally black with a green roof. It's common to find them at 'praças de táxis'. Tipping is usually just rounding up the change. In Luanda, the 'candongueiro' (blue and white van) is the most common form of shared taxi. If you say 'Preciso de um táxi', people might assume you want a private, more expensive car. In Maputo, shared taxis are called 'chapas'. A private taxi is often called a 'táxi-especial'.
The 'De' Rule
Always remember the 'de'. If you say 'Preciso um táxi', people will understand, but it sounds like 'I need taxi' without the grammar.
App vs. Taxi
In big cities, specify if you want a 'táxi' or an 'Uber'. Taxis can use bus lanes in some cities, making them faster during rush hour.
Signification
To state the need for a taxi service.
The 'De' Rule
Always remember the 'de'. If you say 'Preciso um táxi', people will understand, but it sounds like 'I need taxi' without the grammar.
App vs. Taxi
In big cities, specify if you want a 'táxi' or an 'Uber'. Taxis can use bus lanes in some cities, making them faster during rush hour.
Politeness
Add 'por favor' at the end to sound much more like a local. 'Preciso de um táxi, por favor.'
Small Talk
Brazilian taxi drivers love to talk. Be prepared to answer 'De onde você é?' (Where are you from?).
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing preposition.
Eu preciso ___ um táxi.
The verb 'precisar' always requires the preposition 'de' when followed by a noun.
Which sentence is correct?
You are at a hotel and want a taxi.
'Táxi' is masculine and requires 'de'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Com licença. ___ de um táxi. B: Claro, vou chamar agora.
'Preciso' is the most natural way to state the need.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are in a hurry to catch a flight.
Adding 'urgente' matches the hurry of catching a flight.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Taxi Colors
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEu preciso ___ um táxi.
The verb 'precisar' always requires the preposition 'de' when followed by a noun.
You are at a hotel and want a taxi.
'Táxi' is masculine and requires 'de'.
A: Com licença. ___ de um táxi. B: Claro, vou chamar agora.
'Preciso' is the most natural way to state the need.
You are in a hurry to catch a flight.
Adding 'urgente' matches the hurry of catching a flight.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, that is a very common and shorter way to request one, especially if you are pointing at a car.
You can use 'necessitar', but it's very formal. 'Ter que' (to have to) is also used: 'Tenho que pegar um táxi'.
No, Portuguese often drops the subject. 'Preciso de um táxi' is more common than 'Eu preciso de um táxi'.
Say 'Ele/Ela precisa de um táxi'.
Say 'Preciso de um táxi para as oito horas' (I need a taxi for eight o'clock).
Yes, the word is identical, though the cars look different.
It sounds a bit like 'I need taxi service' in general. 'Um' makes it specific to one car.
Say 'Não preciso mais de um táxi'.
In Portuguese, it always has the acute accent on the 'á'.
That is the word for the taxi driver.
Expressions liées
Chamar um táxi
builds onTo call a taxi
Ponto de táxi
similarTaxi stand
Quanto custa a corrida?
builds onHow much is the ride?
Dar uma carona
contrastTo give a lift
Motorista de táxi
specialized formTaxi driver
