Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| precisar | /pɾe.siˈza(ʁ)/ (Brazil) /pɾi.siˈza(ʁ)/ (Brazil) |
| necessitar | /ne.se.siˈta(ʁ)/ (Brazil) /ne.se.siˈta(ɾ)/ (São Paulo) |
The word precisar is a common and versatile way to say 'need' in Portuguese. For related concepts, the noun necessidade can refer to a lack of means of subsistence or to something required.
Which one should you use?
While precisar is the standard and versatile choice, necessitar is more formal and is often used in written or official contexts. Additionally, the expression ter necessidade de is a formal way to say 'have the need for'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used with a noun, the verb precisar requires the preposition de. To express needing to perform an action, use precisar de followed by the infinitive, such as preciso de comer (though preciso comer is also common in Brazil).
How do you pronounce it?
The word precisar has 3 syllables, with the stress on 3 of 3: /pɾe.siˈza(ʁ)/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often forget the preposition de after precisar, saying Eu preciso ajuda instead of the correct Eu preciso de ajuda.
Did you know?
- The verb precisar can be used to mean 'to specify' or 'to define exactly', such as when a speaker asks someone to precisar the details of a plan.
- In Portuguese, if you say estou preciso, you are not saying 'I am in need', but rather 'I am precise' or 'I am accurate'.
- While precisar is common for needs, Portuguese uses the phrase dar jeito to describe the act of 'making it work' when a need isn't officially met.
Examples in context
- Vou precisar de ajuda.I'll need help.This sentence shows how to use precisar with a noun and the required preposition.Tatoeba #4992133 by Ricardo14, translation #2247786 by CK
- Eu vou precisar disso.I'll need that.This sentence demonstrates the use of precisar with a pronoun.Tatoeba #5037357 by Ricardo14, translation #2247787 by CK
- O Tom precisará disso.Tom will need that.This sentence shows the conjugation of precisar in the future tense.Tatoeba #8473622 by alexmarcelo, translation #4667136 by CK
- Eu preciso de ajuda.I need help.
- Preciso de informações sobre o projeto.I need information about the project.
- Ele precisa de um novo computador.He needs a new computer.
- Eu tenho necessidade de assistência.I have the need for assistance.
- Ele tem necessidade de um carro novo.He has the need for a new car.
- Eu preciso de comer algo.I need to eat something.
- Eu tô precisando de uma pausa.I'm in need of a break.
- Tá precisando de dinheiro?Are you in need of money?
- Preciso de um favor. Você poderia me ajudar?I need a favor. Could you help me?
- Eu tenho necessidade de um novo laptop para trabalhar.I have the need for a new laptop for work.
- Ela precisa de conselhos sobre sua carreira.She needs advice about her career.
- Preciso de uma nova câmera fotográfica. A minha está quebrada.I need a new camera. Mine is broken.
- Tô precisando de uma carona até o aeroporto amanhã.I'm in need of a ride to the airport tomorrow.
- 302 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “need” translations and entries precisar, necessitar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
