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A1 verb #700 most common 12 min read

precisar

Top 700

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips precisar in 30 Seconds

Explanation precisar in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'precisar' is one of the first verbs you learn to express basic survival needs. You will use it to ask for food, water, or help. The focus is on the present tense: 'Eu preciso', 'Você precisa'. You learn the essential rule that 'precisar' is followed by 'de' when you need a thing. For example, 'Eu preciso de um mapa' (I need a map). You also learn to use it with verbs to express immediate intentions, like 'Eu preciso comer' (I need to eat). At this stage, the goal is simply to communicate a requirement so that others can assist you. You will practice simple sentences and learn how to make them negative by adding 'não' at the beginning. You will also learn the basic contractions like 'do' (de + o) and 'da' (de + a).

At the A2 level, you expand your use of 'precisar' to describe daily routines and more complex interactions. You start using the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito) to say what you needed in a specific moment, such as 'Ontem eu precisei de você' (Yesterday I needed you). You also begin to use the imperfect tense (Pretérito Imperfeito) for ongoing needs in the past: 'Eu precisava de mais dinheiro naquela época' (I needed more money at that time). You will use 'precisar' in shopping contexts, at the doctor, and when making plans with friends. You also learn to use it with pronouns, such as 'preciso disso' (I need this) or 'preciso dele' (I need him/it). Your sentences become longer and more descriptive.

At the B1 level, you move beyond simple needs to express conditions and future requirements. You will use the future tense ('precisarei' or 'vou precisar') and the conditional ('precisaria'). For example, 'Se eu fosse viajar, precisaria de uma mala nova' (If I were to travel, I would need a new suitcase). You also begin to use 'precisar' with the subjunctive mood in dependent clauses: 'Eu preciso que você me ajude' (I need you to help me). This is a significant step, as it involves coordinating two different subjects. You also start to recognize the difference between 'precisar' and its more formal synonym 'necessitar' in reading texts. You can now use the verb to discuss personal goals and professional requirements.

At the B2 level, you use 'precisar' with nuance and precision. you understand the subtle difference between 'precisar' (to need) and 'ter que' (to have to) and can choose the right one based on the level of obligation. You use the verb in professional settings to define project requirements and delegate tasks. You are comfortable with all tenses, including the pluperfect and compound tenses. You also start to use the passive 'se' construction: 'Precisa-se de vendedores' (Salespeople needed). You can participate in debates and express why certain social or political changes are 'needed' using sophisticated vocabulary. Your use of prepositions and contractions is now automatic and error-free.

At the C1 level, you use 'precisar' in its secondary sense of 'to specify' or 'to define with precision.' You might say, 'É difícil precisar o momento exato em que a crise começou' (It is difficult to pinpoint the exact moment the crisis began). You understand the etymological depth of the word. You can use 'precisar' in complex literary or academic contexts, alternating it with 'necessitar', 'carecer', or 'demandar' to vary your style and tone. You are sensitive to the regional differences between Brazilian and European Portuguese regarding the use of 'de' before infinitives. You can use the verb to express abstract philosophical needs and complex emotional states in a way that sounds completely natural and sophisticated.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'precisar' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You use it effortlessly in high-level academic writing, legal discourse, and creative literature. You can play with the word's dual meanings of 'necessity' and 'precision' for rhetorical effect. You understand archaic or very rare uses of the verb in historical texts. You can navigate the most complex grammatical structures involving 'precisar', such as those found in classical Portuguese literature. Your choice of synonyms is always perfectly aligned with the desired register and tone. You can explain the historical evolution of the verb and its role in the development of the Portuguese language to others.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

precisar in 30 Seconds

The primary Portuguese verb for 'to need'.
Requires the preposition 'de' before nouns (e.g., preciso de ajuda).
A regular -ar verb, making it easy to conjugate in all tenses.
Can also mean 'to specify' or 'to pinpoint' in formal contexts.

The Portuguese verb precisar is one of the most fundamental pillars of the language, primarily translating to the English verb 'to need' or 'to require.' At its core, it expresses a necessity, a lack of something essential, or a requirement to fulfill a specific goal. While in English we simply say 'I need a coffee,' the Portuguese construction often requires a bridge, specifically the preposition de, making it 'Eu preciso de um café.' This distinction is the first major hurdle for English speakers. The word originates from the Latin 'praecisus,' which relates to precision or being cut short. Historically, to 'precisar' meant to define something with precision. Over centuries, the meaning shifted from 'specifying exactly what is required' to the act of 'requiring' itself. In modern daily life, you will hear this word in almost every interaction, from the mundane act of shopping to the deep emotional expression of needing someone's support. It is a versatile verb that adapts to formal and informal registers with ease. In Brazil, it is ubiquitous, whereas in Portugal, you might occasionally hear 'necessitar' in more formal writing, though 'precisar' remains the king of spoken communication. Understanding 'precisar' is not just about learning a verb; it is about understanding how Lusophones express their dependencies and desires.

Grammatical Requirement: When followed by a noun, you must use the preposition 'de'. For example, 'Eu preciso de ajuda' (I need help). When followed by another verb in the infinitive, the 'de' is usually omitted in Brazil but often retained in some regions of Portugal.

Eu preciso de um tempo para pensar sobre essa proposta importante.

Beyond simple necessity, 'precisar' can also imply a sense of urgency. If someone shouts 'Preciso de um médico!', the context of the verb conveys an immediate crisis. In a more abstract sense, it is used to describe mathematical or scientific precision, reflecting its etymological roots. For instance, 'É necessário precisar os dados do experimento' means 'It is necessary to specify the data of the experiment.' This dual nature—necessity and precision—makes it a fascinating study in linguistic evolution. Whether you are asking for a glass of water or defining the parameters of a legal contract, 'precisar' is the tool you will use. It bridges the gap between the human condition of wanting and the technical requirement of accuracy. In the classroom, teachers emphasize 'precisar' early on because it allows students to express their needs immediately, facilitating survival in a foreign country. Without this verb, a learner is unable to ask for directions, food, or assistance. It is the 'Swiss Army Knife' of Portuguese verbs, essential for survival and sophisticated enough for poetry.

Nós precisamos de mais informações antes de tomar uma decisão final.

Social Nuance: Using 'precisar' can sometimes sound demanding if not paired with polite expressions like 'por favor' (please). In a restaurant, instead of saying 'Eu preciso de água,' it is often more polite to say 'Eu gostaria de uma água' (I would like a water), though 'precisar' is not strictly incorrect.

Você precisa descansar depois de um longo dia de trabalho.

Regional Variation: In Portugal, you might hear 'preciso de ir' (I need to go), whereas in Brazil, the 'de' is almost always omitted before an infinitive: 'preciso ir'. Both are understood, but the Brazilian way is more direct.

Eles precisam de silêncio para estudar para a prova de amanhã.

A planta precisa de sol e água para crescer saudável.

Using precisar correctly involves mastering its conjugation and the subsequent prepositional structure. As a regular '-ar' verb, it follows the standard pattern for the vast majority of tenses, which is a relief for beginners. In the present tense, we have: 'eu preciso', 'você precisa', 'ele/ela precisa', 'nós precisamos', and 'vocês/eles/elas precisam'. The most critical rule to remember is the 'Precisar + De + Noun' formula. If you want to say you need an object, a person, or a concept, that 'de' must be there. For example, 'Eu preciso de dinheiro' (I need money). If the noun is definite, the 'de' merges with the article: 'Eu preciso do dinheiro' (I need the money). This contraction is mandatory and changes based on gender and number: 'do', 'da', 'dos', 'das'.

Verb + Verb Construction: When 'precisar' is followed by another action, you use the infinitive. In Brazil, you say 'Eu preciso comer' (I need to eat). In Portugal, you might hear 'Eu preciso de comer'. For learners, the Brazilian style (no 'de' before a verb) is often easier and widely accepted.

Nós precisamos comprar os ingredientes para o jantar de hoje.

In the future tense, you can use the simple future 'precisarei' or the more common compound future 'vou precisar'. For instance, 'Vou precisar de você amanhã' (I am going to need you tomorrow). This compound form is much more frequent in spoken Brazilian Portuguese. Another important aspect is the use of 'precisar' in the negative. To say you don't need something, simply place 'não' before the verb: 'Eu não preciso de nada' (I don't need anything). Note the double negative in Portuguese ('não... nada'), which is grammatically correct. When asking questions, the word order usually stays the same, but the intonation rises: 'Você precisa de ajuda?' (Do you need help?).

Ela precisava de um conselho, mas não sabia a quem perguntar.

Conditional Usage: The conditional form 'precisaria' is used for hypothetical needs: 'Eu precisaria de mais tempo se quisesse terminar isso hoje' (I would need more time if I wanted to finish this today).

Vocês precisarão de passaportes válidos para viajar para o exterior.

The 'Se' Passive: In job advertisements, you will often see 'Precisa-se de funcionários' (Employees needed). Here, the 'se' indicates an indeterminate subject, similar to 'one needs' or 'is needed'.

Eu preciso que você me escute com muita atenção agora.

O carro precisa de gasolina para funcionar corretamente.

You will encounter precisar in every corner of the Lusophone world. In a bustling market in Luanda, a customer might say, 'Preciso de um preço melhor' (I need a better price). In a high-tech office in São Paulo, a manager might declare, 'Precisamos de resultados imediatos' (We need immediate results). The word is so common that it often blends into the background of conversation, yet it carries the weight of human intent. One of the most common places to hear it is in service environments. Shop assistants will approach you and ask, 'Precisa de alguma coisa?' (Do you need anything?). This is the standard way of offering help. In social settings, 'precisar' is used to express dependency or friendship. A friend might say, 'Se precisar de qualquer coisa, me liga' (If you need anything, call me), which is a staple of Brazilian hospitality. In the media, news anchors use it to describe societal needs: 'O país precisa de reformas' (The country needs reforms). It is also a favorite in Brazilian music, especially in Bossa Nova and MPB, where lyrics often revolve around the need for love, 'precisar de amor.'

In the Workplace: Meetings often start with a list of requirements. 'Precisamos definir o cronograma' (We need to define the schedule). It is the go-to verb for project management and task delegation.

'Não precisa!' is a common way to say 'No need!' or 'Don't worry about it!' when someone offers help.

In healthcare, 'precisar' is essential. A doctor will ask, 'Onde você sente que precisa de mais atenção?' (Where do you feel you need more attention?). Patients use it to describe their symptoms and requirements for medication. In education, teachers tell students, 'Vocês precisam estudar mais para o exame' (You need to study more for the exam). The word also appears in legal contexts, though often replaced by 'necessitar' in very formal documents. However, in a courtroom, a lawyer might still say, 'A justiça precisa ser feita' (Justice needs to be done). Even in the kitchen, recipes will state, 'Você vai precisar de dois ovos' (You will need two eggs). Its presence is truly universal. Whether it's a whisper between lovers or a shout in a football stadium ('Precisamos de um gol!'), 'precisar' is the heartbeat of necessity in Portuguese.

Você precisa de uma carona para casa ou vai de ônibus?

Street Slang: In informal slang, 'tô precisando' (I'm needing) is often used to express a strong craving, like 'Tô precisando de uma praia' (I'm really needing a beach day).

A gente precisa marcar um café para colocar a fofoca em dia.

O computador precisa de uma atualização de software urgente.

Eu preciso que você assine este documento até o final do dia.

The most frequent mistake for English speakers learning precisar is the omission of the preposition de when followed by a noun. Because in English we say 'I need water,' learners instinctively say 'Eu preciso água.' This sounds incomplete and 'foreign' to a native ear. It must always be 'Eu preciso de água.' Another common error is the confusion between using 'de' before a verb. While it is common in Portugal to say 'preciso de comer,' in Brazil, it is much more natural to say 'preciso comer.' Beginners often mix these up or apply the 'de' rule everywhere, leading to 'Eu preciso de viajar,' which sounds slightly clunky in a Brazilian context.

The 'De' Contraction Trap: Learners often forget to contract 'de' with the article. They might say 'Eu preciso de o livro' instead of 'Eu preciso do livro.' This is a hallmark of an early-stage learner. Mastering 'do, da, dos, das' is essential for fluency with this verb.

Errado: Eu preciso ajuda. Correto: Eu preciso de ajuda.

Another mistake is using 'precisar' when 'querer' (to want) is more appropriate. English speakers sometimes use 'need' as a polite way to 'want' something, but in Portuguese, 'precisar' is quite literal. If you say 'Eu preciso de um sorvete' (I need an ice cream), it sounds like a medical necessity! Use 'Eu quero' or 'Eu gostaria' for desires. Furthermore, learners often struggle with the placement of pronouns. Saying 'Eu preciso você' is incorrect; it must be 'Eu preciso de você.' The 'de' is non-negotiable with people. In the past tense, learners sometimes confuse 'precisei' (I needed - specific) with 'precisava' (I needed - ongoing/habitual). Using 'precisei' when describing a general state of need in the past can sound jarring.

Errado: Você precisa de ler este livro. Correto (BR): Você precisa ler este livro.

Subject-Verb Agreement: Because 'nós precisamos' and 'a gente precisa' mean the same thing (we need), learners often mix the conjugation, saying 'a gente precisamos,' which is a common but stigmatized error in Brazil.

Errado: Eu preciso de o meu telefone. Correto: Eu preciso do meu telefone.

Errado: Eles precisam de dinheiro. (Correct, but if referring to specific money: Eles precisam do dinheiro).

Errado: Nós precisamos que você vai. Correto: Nós precisamos que você vá (Subjunctive).

While precisar is the most common way to express need, Portuguese offers several alternatives depending on the context and level of formality. The most direct synonym is necessitar. This verb is more formal and is frequently found in literature, legal documents, and academic writing. Unlike 'precisar', 'necessitar' can be used with or without the preposition 'de', though 'necessitar de' is more common. Another alternative is carecer, which implies a lack or a deficiency of something. For example, 'O projeto carece de fundos' (The project lacks funds). This is much more formal and carries a slightly negative connotation of 'missing' something vital.

Ter que / Ter de: When the 'need' is actually an obligation to do something, Portuguese speakers often use 'ter que' or 'ter de' (have to). 'Eu tenho que ir' is often used instead of 'Eu preciso ir' when there is an external pressure or schedule to follow.

Eu necessito de sua colaboração para concluir este relatório técnico.

For expressing a 'requirement' in a more technical sense, you might use exigir (to demand/require). 'Este trabalho exige muita paciência' (This job requires/demands a lot of patience). While 'precisar' works here, 'exigir' adds a layer of intensity. Another nuanced word is demandar, which is used in legal or large-scale contexts, such as 'A obra demandará muito tempo' (The construction will demand/require a lot of time). In very casual Brazilian Portuguese, people sometimes use querer (to want) when they actually mean they need something to happen: 'Eu quero esse relatório na minha mesa amanhã' (I want/need this report on my desk tomorrow).

A situação carece de uma análise mais profunda por parte dos especialistas.

Comparison Table: - **Precisa de**: General need (Common). - **Necessita de**: Formal need (Professional). - **Carece de**: Lack/Deficiency (Formal). - **Exige**: Requirement/Demand (Strong).

Você tem que ver esse filme, é maravilhoso!

O motorista precisou de muita calma para estacionar naquela vaga apertada.

Não carecemos de nada no momento, obrigado pela oferta.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Necessitamos de vossa confirmação para prosseguir."

Neutral

"Eu preciso de um relatório sobre as vendas."

Informal

"Tô precisando de um descanso, cara."

Child friendly

"A plantinha precisa de água para crescer."

Slang

"Tô precisando de um help aqui!"

Fun Fact

The shift from 'specifying' to 'needing' happened because when you specify what is required for a task, you are essentially stating what you 'need'. Over time, the 'need' part became the dominant meaning.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pɾe.si.ˈzaɾ/

US /pɾe.si.ˈzaɾ/

The stress is on the last syllable: pre-si-ZAR.

Rhymes With

falar andar amar chegar olhar pensar tomar lugar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 's' as an 's' sound (like 'sun') instead of a 'z' sound.
Stressing the second syllable (pre-SI-zar) instead of the last.
Making the 'e' sound too much like an 'ee' (pree-si-zar).
Over-aspirating the initial 'p'.
Failing to pronounce the final 'r' at all (though common in some dialects, learners should aim for a soft tap).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize and understand in texts.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the 'de' preposition and contractions.

Speaking 2/5

Regular conjugation makes it easy to use in speech.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, though 'de' can be swallowed in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

eu você de ter querer

Learn Next

necessitar dever poder ajuda dinheiro

Advanced

carecer prescindir exigir precisão precisamente

Grammar to Know

Prepositional Verbs

Preciso DE algo. (Similar to 'Gosto DE algo').

Contractions with 'De'

De + o = do; De + a = da; De + este = deste.

Infinitive after Verbs

Preciso sair. (No 'de' before the second verb in Brazil).

Present Subjunctive Trigger

Preciso que você ESTEJA aqui.

Impersonal 'Se'

Precisa-se de ajuda. (Verb stays in singular).

Examples by Level

Eu preciso de água.

I need water.

Uses 'de' before the noun 'água'.

Você precisa de ajuda?

Do you need help?

Standard question format with 'de'.

Nós precisamos comer agora.

We need to eat now.

No 'de' before the verb 'comer' (Brazilian style).

Eu não preciso de café.

I don't need coffee.

Negative sentence with 'não' before the verb.

Ela precisa do meu telefone.

She needs my phone.

Contraction of 'de + o' = 'do'.

Eles precisam de um táxi.

They need a taxi.

Plural subject 'eles' with 'precisam'.

Você precisa estudar hoje.

You need to study today.

Directly followed by an infinitive verb.

Eu preciso de um tempo.

I need some time.

Abstract noun 'tempo' requires 'de'.

Eu precisei de você ontem à noite.

I needed you last night.

Pretérito Perfeito (specific past action).

Nós precisávamos de mais cadeiras para a festa.

We needed more chairs for the party.

Pretérito Imperfeito (ongoing need in the past).

Você vai precisar de um casaco em Portugal.

You are going to need a coat in Portugal.

Compound future 'vou precisar'.

Eles não precisaram de muito dinheiro.

They didn't need much money.

Negative past tense.

Eu preciso disso para o meu trabalho.

I need this for my work.

Contraction 'de + isso' = 'disso'.

Ela precisa da sua ajuda com a lição.

She needs your help with the lesson.

Contraction 'de + a' = 'da'.

Vocês precisam de passaportes?

Do you (plural) need passports?

Plural 'vocês' with 'precisam'.

O carro precisou de conserto.

The car needed repair.

Third person singular past tense.

Eu preciso que você chegue cedo amanhã.

I need you to arrive early tomorrow.

Triggers the Present Subjunctive 'chegue'.

Se eu tivesse dinheiro, não precisaria trabalhar.

If I had money, I wouldn't need to work.

Conditional 'precisaria' used in a hypothetical.

Nós precisaremos de novos equipamentos no próximo ano.

We will need new equipment next year.

Simple future tense 'precisaremos'.

Ela precisou que o médico explicasse tudo de novo.

She needed the doctor to explain everything again.

Past tense followed by a subjunctive clause.

Você precisaria de ajuda se o projeto fosse maior?

Would you need help if the project were larger?

Conditional question.

Eles precisam de alguém que fale inglês fluentemente.

They need someone who speaks English fluently.

Relative clause with subjunctive 'fale'.

Eu sempre precisei de silêncio para me concentrar.

I have always needed silence to concentrate.

Present perfect context (though simple past is used).

Nós não precisamos de que eles nos digam o que fazer.

We don't need them to tell us what to do.

Negative with a complex subjunctive clause.

Precisa-se de funcionários com experiência em vendas.

Employees with sales experience are needed.

Indeterminate 'se' construction.

O governo precisará de medidas drásticas para conter a inflação.

The government will need drastic measures to contain inflation.

Formal future tense in a political context.

Eu teria precisado de mais tempo se não tivesse ajuda.

I would have needed more time if I hadn't had help.

Compound conditional (Conditional Perfect).

A empresa precisa de que todos os setores colaborem.

The company needs all sectors to collaborate.

Formal use of 'de que' before a subjunctive clause.

Você não precisa se preocupar com os detalhes técnicos.

You don't need to worry about the technical details.

Reflexive verb 'se preocupar' after 'precisar'.

Eles precisavam de que a encomenda chegasse antes do Natal.

They needed the package to arrive before Christmas.

Imperfect followed by Imperfect Subjunctive.

Nós precisamos de uma solução que seja sustentável a longo prazo.

We need a solution that is sustainable in the long term.

Subjunctive 'seja' in a defining relative clause.

A situação precisava de uma intervenção imediata das autoridades.

The situation needed immediate intervention from the authorities.

Formal noun-heavy construction.

É imperativo precisar os termos do contrato antes da assinatura.

It is imperative to specify the terms of the contract before signing.

Use of 'precisar' meaning 'to specify' (no 'de').

A teoria carece de evidências que a possam sustentar.

The theory lacks evidence that can support it.

Using 'carecer' as a sophisticated alternative to 'precisar'.

Não se pode precisar com exatidão a data da fundação da cidade.

One cannot specify with exactness the date of the city's foundation.

Impersonal 'se' with the 'to specify' meaning.

O autor precisou de muita coragem para abordar um tema tão polêmico.

The author needed a lot of courage to tackle such a controversial theme.

Abstract usage in a literary critique context.

Precisaríamos de uma análise estatística mais rigorosa para validar os dados.

We would need a more rigorous statistical analysis to validate the data.

Conditional mood in an academic context.

A alma humana precisa de beleza tanto quanto o corpo precisa de pão.

The human soul needs beauty as much as the body needs bread.

Philosophical/Poetic usage.

Caso você precise de maiores esclarecimentos, estamos à disposição.

Should you need further clarification, we are at your disposal.

Subjunctive 'precise' used in a formal 'if' clause.

O sistema de saúde precisa de que haja um investimento massivo em infraestrutura.

The health system needs there to be a massive investment in infrastructure.

Complex structure with 'haja' (subjunctive of haver).

A obra de Camões precisa de uma leitura atenta para ser plenamente compreendida.

Camões' work requires a careful reading to be fully understood.

High-level literary reference.

Embora a ciência busque precisar as leis da natureza, o mistério permanece.

Although science seeks to specify the laws of nature, mystery remains.

Contrast between 'to specify' and 'necessity'.

O orador precisou os argumentos com tamanha maestria que convenceu a todos.

The speaker specified the arguments with such mastery that he convinced everyone.

Transitive use meaning 'to detail' or 'to pinpoint'.

A democracia precisa de que o cidadão seja o protagonista da história.

Democracy needs the citizen to be the protagonist of history.

Political philosophy context.

Não se precisou o montante exato do prejuízo causado pela enchente.

The exact amount of the damage caused by the flood was not specified.

Passive voice with the 'specify' meaning.

O texto carecia de uma revisão que lhe precisasse o estilo e a métrica.

The text lacked a revision that would refine its style and meter.

Using 'precisar' as 'to refine/specify' in a poetic context.

Precisar-se-ia de uma vida inteira para esgotar as possibilidades deste tema.

A whole lifetime would be needed to exhaust the possibilities of this theme.

Mesoclisis (very formal placement of the pronoun 'se').

A justiça, para ser plena, precisa de que a equidade seja o seu norte.

Justice, to be full, needs equity to be its north star.

Abstract legal/ethical discourse.

Common Collocations

precisar de ajuda

precisar de tempo

precisar de dinheiro

precisar de atenção

precisar de manutenção

precisar de repouso

precisar de espaço

precisar de provas

precisar de carinho

precisar de orientação

Common Phrases

Não precisa!

— Used to say 'No need' or 'Don't worry about it' when someone offers help or thanks you.

— Quer que eu leve você? — Não precisa, eu vou a pé.

Se precisar, estou aqui.

— A common way to offer support to a friend or colleague.

Sinto muito pelo que aconteceu. Se precisar, estou aqui.

Preciso ir.

— A standard way to say 'I have to go' or 'I must leave'.

Já é tarde, eu preciso ir agora.

Precisamos conversar.

— Often used to initiate a serious or important discussion.

Temos um problema. Precisamos conversar.

Não precisa agradecer.

— A polite response to 'Thank you', similar to 'You're welcome'.

— Obrigado pela ajuda! — Não precisa agradecer.

O que você precisa?

— A direct way to ask someone what they require.

Estou indo ao mercado. O que você precisa?

Preciso de um favor.

— Used to ask someone for a favor.

Oi, amigo. Preciso de um favor seu.

Tudo o que eu preciso.

— Used to express that something is exactly what one wanted or required.

Um café quente é tudo o que eu preciso agora.

Não precisa ser assim.

— Used to suggest that a situation or behavior could be different/better.

Nós podemos ser amigos, não precisa ser assim.

Precisa-se de...

— The standard opening for job advertisements or help-wanted signs.

Precisa-se de cozinheiro com experiência.

Often Confused With

precisar vs querer

English speakers use 'need' for desires. In Portuguese, use 'querer' for wants and 'precisar' for necessities.

precisar vs ter que

'Ter que' implies a stronger external obligation, while 'precisar' is more about personal or internal necessity.

precisar vs dever

'Dever' means 'should' or 'must'. It is a moral or logical obligation, not just a need.

Idioms & Expressions

"Precisar de um empurrãozinho"

— To need a little push or some encouragement to start something.

Ele é talentoso, só precisa de um empurrãozinho.

informal

"Precisar como de pão para a boca"

— To need something desperately or essentially (as much as bread for the mouth).

Eu preciso desse emprego como de pão para a boca.

literary/old-fashioned

"Não precisar de duas vezes"

— To not need to be told twice; to do something immediately because you want it.

Quando ele me convidou para viajar, não precisei de duas vezes.

neutral

"Precisar de um banho de loja"

— To need a complete makeover or new clothes.

Depois da viagem, meu guarda-roupa precisa de um banho de loja.

informal

"Precisar de um norte"

— To need a direction or a sense of purpose.

Depois de se formar, ela sentiu que precisava de um norte.

neutral

"Precisar de um corretivo"

— To need a lesson or a punishment (often used with children).

Aquele menino está precisando de um corretivo.

informal

"Precisar de óculos"

— Used humorously when someone fails to see something obvious.

Você não viu o sinal vermelho? Está precisando de óculos!

informal

"Precisar de um milagre"

— To be in a situation so difficult that only a miracle can help.

O time está perdendo de 5 a 0. Agora só precisa de um milagre.

neutral

"Precisar de um tempo para si"

— To need some alone time to recharge or think.

Trabalhei muito esta semana, preciso de um tempo para mim.

neutral

"Não precisar de muito"

— To be easily satisfied or simple in one's needs.

Para ser feliz, eu não preciso de muito.

neutral

Easily Confused

precisar vs preciso

It is both the 'I' form of the verb and an adjective.

As a verb, it means 'I need'. As an adjective, it means 'precise' or 'accurate'. Context usually makes it clear.

Eu preciso (verb) de um relógio preciso (adjective).

precisar vs necessitar

They mean the same thing.

Necessitar is more formal. Precising is more common in speech. Necessitar almost always uses 'de'.

Eu preciso de ajuda / Eu necessito de ajuda.

precisar vs carecer

Both involve needing something.

Carecer specifically means 'to lack' something that should be there. It is much more formal.

O texto carece de clareza.

precisar vs exigir

Both imply a requirement.

Exigir is 'to demand'. Precising is 'to need'. A job 'exige' (demands) a degree; you 'precisa' (need) a job.

A lei exige o uso de cinto.

precisar vs pedir

If you need something, you often ask for it.

Pedir is the act of asking. Precising is the state of needing. You 'precisa' of water, so you 'pede' a glass.

Eu preciso de água, vou pedir um copo.

Sentence Patterns

Eu preciso de [substantivo].

Eu preciso de um café.

Eu preciso [verbo].

Eu preciso dormir.

Eu precisei de [substantivo] [tempo].

Eu precisei de ajuda ontem.

Eu preciso que você [subjuntivo].

Eu preciso que você venha.

Se eu..., eu precisaria de...

Se eu ganhasse, não precisaria de dinheiro.

Precisa-se de [plural].

Precisa-se de professores.

É necessário precisar...

É necessário precisar os valores.

Precisar-se-ia de...

Precisar-se-ia de coragem.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high. It is among the top 50 most used verbs in Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

Eu preciso água. → Eu preciso de água.
You must use the preposition 'de' before a noun.
Eu preciso de o livro. → Eu preciso do livro.
The preposition 'de' must contract with the article 'o'.
Eu preciso que você vai. → Eu preciso que você vá.
'Preciso que' requires the present subjunctive mood.
A gente precisamos. → A gente precisa.
'A gente' always takes the third person singular conjugation.
Eu preciso você. → Eu preciso de você.
Even with people (pronouns), the 'de' is mandatory.

Tips

The 'De' Rule

Always remember: Preciso DE + Noun. This is the #1 rule for this verb. If you forget the 'de', you will sound like a beginner.

The Z Sound

The 's' in 'precisar' is between two vowels (i and a), so it must be pronounced like a 'z'. Practice saying 'pre-zee-zar'.

Precise vs Need

Don't forget the second meaning: 'to specify'. It's great for formal writing when you want to sound more sophisticated.

Brazilian Shortcut

In Brazil, drop the 'de' before verbs. 'Preciso comer' is much more natural than 'Preciso de comer'. Save the 'de' for nouns!

Offering Help

Ask 'Precisa de ajuda?' to be helpful. It's the most common way to offer assistance in any Portuguese-speaking country.

Contractions

Never write 'preciso de o'. Always contract it to 'preciso do'. This applies to all definite and indefinite articles.

Declining Gracefully

Use 'Não precisa, obrigado' to decline an offer. It sounds softer and more natural than just saying 'Não'.

Subjunctive Power

Master 'Preciso que você...'. It's a high-level structure that will make you sound very fluent. Remember the subjunctive!

Precision

Think: 'I need to be PRECISE'. This links the English word 'precise' to the Portuguese 'precisar'.

Universal Verb

You can use 'precisar' for everything from 'I need a pencil' to 'The world needs peace'. It's a very safe and versatile verb.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the word 'PRECISE'. If you need something, you have to be PRECISE about what it is. 'I PRECISE-ly need this!'

Visual Association

Imagine a person in a desert pointing PRECISE-ly at a bottle of water. They PRECISAR of that water.

Word Web

necessidade ajuda dinheiro tempo fazer ir comer querer

Challenge

Try to spend one hour today identifying everything you 'precisar' in your head, but say it in Portuguese: 'Eu preciso de café', 'Eu preciso trabalhar'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'praecisus', the past participle of 'praecidere', which means 'to cut off' or 'to shorten'. This evolved into the idea of being concise or precise.

Original meaning: The original meaning in Portuguese was 'to specify' or 'to define with precision'.

Romance (Latin-based).

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivities, but be aware that 'precisado' can sometimes refer to someone in extreme poverty (needy), though 'necessitado' is more common for this.

English speakers often confuse 'need' with 'want'. In Portuguese, 'precisar' is stronger than 'querer'. Using 'precisar' for a trivial desire might sound overly dramatic.

The song 'Preciso Me Encontrar' by Cartola, a masterpiece of Brazilian Samba. The common job sign 'Precisa-se' found in windows across Brazil. The poem 'Precisar' by various modern Lusophone poets exploring the dual meaning of the word.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping

Preciso de um tamanho maior.
Quanto você precisa?
Não preciso de sacola.
Preciso de um desconto.

Work

Preciso do relatório até as cinco.
Precisamos de uma reunião.
Você precisa de ajuda com isso?
Preciso que você assine aqui.

Health

Preciso de uma consulta.
Onde você precisa de atenção?
Preciso de um remédio para dor.
Você precisa descansar.

Social

Preciso te contar uma coisa.
Se precisar de mim, avise.
Não precisa se preocupar.
Preciso de um favor seu.

Travel

Preciso de uma passagem para Lisboa.
Você precisa do seu passaporte.
Preciso de informações sobre o voo.
Preciso de um mapa da cidade.

Conversation Starters

"Do que você mais precisa hoje para ser feliz?"

"Você precisa de silêncio absoluto para estudar ou prefere música?"

"O que uma pessoa precisa ter para ser um bom amigo?"

"Você acha que o mundo precisa de mais tecnologia ou mais natureza?"

"De quais ingredientes você precisa para fazer seu prato favorito?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre três coisas de que você precisa para ter um dia produtivo.

Descreva um momento em que você precisou de ajuda e como se sentiu ao recebê-la.

O que você acha que a sua cidade mais precisa no momento? Por quê?

Reflita sobre a diferença entre o que você 'quer' e o que você realmente 'precisa'.

Se você pudesse viajar amanhã, do que você precisaria levar na sua mala?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Only when followed by a noun or pronoun (e.g., 'preciso de você'). When followed by a verb, the 'de' is usually omitted in Brazil ('preciso sair'), but often included in Portugal ('preciso de sair').

'Precisar' is the everyday word used by everyone. 'Necessitar' is more formal and common in writing or official contexts. They are interchangeable in meaning.

Yes, but as a verb, it means 'to specify' or 'to pinpoint'. For example, 'Não consigo precisar o horário' means 'I can't specify the exact time.' The adjective 'preciso' means 'precise'.

You must use 'disso' (de + isso). 'Eu preciso disso.' You cannot just say 'Eu preciso o'.

Yes, it is a perfectly regular -ar verb. It follows the same pattern as 'falar' or 'amar' in all tenses.

When you need someone else to do something, use 'precisar que' + subjunctive. 'Eu preciso que você faça isso' (I need you to do this).

No, it is actually quite polite. It is a common way to say 'No, thank you' or 'Don't worry about it' when someone offers help.

It is a regional evolution of the language. In Brazil, the preposition 'de' is dropped before infinitives for brevity and flow. Both are technically correct, but 'preciso ir' is standard in Brazil.

It means 'Wanted' or 'Needed'. The '-se' makes it impersonal, like 'One needs' or 'It is needed'. It is followed by 'de' and the job title.

Sometimes, but 'dever' or 'ter que' are better for strong obligations. 'Precisar' focuses more on the necessity than the duty.