eu preciso
/ˈew pɾeˈsi.zu/word by word
In Portuguese, the phrase for "I need" is eu preciso.
The phrase is used to express that something is necessary or required. For example, the conjugation eu preciso specifically means "I need", while eles precisam is used to say "they need".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the phrase Eu tô precisando de or the even shorter Tô precisando de is commonly used informally. In Portugal, the informal spoken variation Tou a precisar de is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The subject eu (I) is often omitted in natural speech because the verb conjugation preciso already indicates the first person singular. Additionally, when preciso is followed by a noun, it almost always requires the preposition de.
How do you pronounce it?
The 3 syllables are pronounced /ˈew pɾeˈsi.zu/. The stress is on the 1st syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
When following preciso with a noun, do not forget to include the preposition de. English speakers often mistakenly say eu preciso [noun] instead of the correct eu preciso de [noun].
Did you know?
- The word preciso comes from the Latin praecīsus, which originally meant 'shortened' or 'cut off'.
- Because Portuguese is a pro-drop language, saying eu before preciso can sometimes add an unintended emphasis, as if saying 'I specifically' need it.
- In some Brazilian dialects, people use the phrase tô precisando to politely hint at a request or a desire rather than an urgent requirement.
Examples in context
- Eu preciso de ar.I need air.This sentence shows how to express a need for air using eu preciso.Tatoeba #2595540 by alexmarcelo, translation #2577181 by VirtuOZ
- Eu preciso ir lá?Do I need to go there?This sentence is an example of asking if you need to go somewhere using eu preciso.Tatoeba #4489360 by Ricardo14, translation #246492 by CK
- Do que eu preciso?What do I need?This sentence demonstrates how to ask what you need using eu preciso.Tatoeba #1165257 by alexmarcelo, translation #2247270 by mayahueli
- Preciso de ajuda para completar este relatório.I need help to complete this report.
- Preciso de uma cópia deste documento.I need a copy of this document.
- Tô precisando de um favor. Você pode me ajudar?I need a favor. Can you help me?
- Tô precisando de dinheiro emprestado até o final do mês.I need to borrow money until the end of the month.
- Eu tava querendo um conselho seu sobre esse assunto.I need your advice on this matter.
- Eu tava querendo uma ajuda com essa mudança.I need some help with this move.
- 581 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At home during a busy morning.
- RodrigoMariana, eu preciso de mais tempo.Mariana, I need more time.
- MarianaVocê está atrasado para o trabalho, Rodrigo?Are you late for work, Rodrigo?
- RodrigoSim, eu preciso sair agora.Yes, I need to leave now.
- MarianaTudo bem, tenha um bom dia!Alright, have a good day!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (eu, preciso) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries eu, preciso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
