Meaning
To state that something is necessary.
Cultural Background
Brazilians often use 'precisar' for things that are actually just 'wants' to sound more urgent or persuasive. In Portugal, the phrase is often used with 'ir' (to go) to express an immediate intention to leave. In Luanda, 'precisar' is frequently used in the context of 'precisar de uma gasosa' (slang for needing a small bribe/tip), though this is informal and controversial.
The 'De' Rule
If you are ever in doubt, just include the 'de'. It is rarely wrong to include it, but often wrong to omit it.
Contractions
Never say 'de o' or 'de a'. Always use 'do' or 'da'.
Meaning
To state that something is necessary.
The 'De' Rule
If you are ever in doubt, just include the 'de'. It is rarely wrong to include it, but often wrong to omit it.
Contractions
Never say 'de o' or 'de a'. Always use 'do' or 'da'.
Softening Requests
Add 'acho que' (I think that) before 'eu preciso' to sound less demanding: 'Acho que eu preciso de ajuda'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct contraction (do, da, de um, de uma).
Eu preciso ___ (the) carro para ir ao trabalho.
Carro is masculine singular, so de + o = do.
Which sentence is grammatically correct in European Portuguese?
Choose the correct option:
In European Portuguese, 'de' is kept before the infinitive verb.
Match the need to the situation.
Situation: You are at a hotel and your room is cold.
Cobertor means blanket.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesEu preciso ___ (the) carro para ir ao trabalho.
Carro is masculine singular, so de + o = do.
Choose the correct option:
In European Portuguese, 'de' is kept before the infinitive verb.
Situation: You are at a hotel and your room is cold.
Cobertor means blanket.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNo, you must say 'Eu preciso de café'. The 'de' is mandatory before nouns.
In Portugal, yes. In Brazil, it's optional and often dropped (Eu preciso comer).
'Precisar' is common and conversational. 'Necessitar' is formal and used in literature or official documents.
Eu preciso de você.
Yes, it conjugates: Ele/Ela precisa de...
Yes: 'Eu preciso de ir' or 'Eu preciso ir'.
Related Phrases
Ter que
similarTo have to
Fazer falta
similarTo be missed/lacked
Querer
contrastTo want
