precisar de
The English verb 'require' can be translated into Portuguese using precisar de, necessitar or requerer.
Meaning: to need (verb)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| precisar de | |
| necessitar | /ne.se.siˈta(ʁ)/ (Brazil) /ne.se.siˈta(ɾ)/ (São Paulo) |
| requerer | /ʁe.keˈɾe(ʁ)/ (Brazil) |
Which one should you use?
precisar de is the most common and versatile way to express 'to need' in everyday conversation. In contrast, necessitar is more formal than precisar de and is often used in written or professional contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In European Portuguese, the verb necessitar is widely used in formal contexts and can be preferred over exigir.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb precisar is a transitive indirect verb and must be followed by the preposition de when it has an object.
Did you know?
- While 'requerer' is a cognate of the English 'require', it is most often used in legal contexts to mean 'to petition' or 'to apply for' rather than just expressing a need.
- While precisar de usually means 'to need', the verb precisar on its own can also mean 'to be precise' or 'to specify' something exactly.
- The word requerer contains the root 'querer', which means 'to want', linking the act of requiring something to the act of desiring it.
Examples in context
- Esta tarefa requererá muito tempo.This homework will require much time.Tatoeba #2939055 by alexmarcelo, translation #2485275 by Opiejay888
- Isto vai necessitar um grande investimento de tempo e dinheiro.This will require a huge investment of time and money.Tatoeba #6582534 by heo598, translation #1637997 by GeeZ
- Uma xícara de café benfeito não deveria precisar de creme ou açúcar.A well-made cup of coffee should require no cream or sugar.Tatoeba #921968 by alexmarcelo, translation #727498 by darinmex
- Para concluir este projeto, necessitamos de mais recursos financeiros.To complete this project, we require additional financial resources.
- O cargo exige excelente domínio do idioma inglês.The position requires excellent command of the English language.
- Preciso de ajuda para preparar o jantar.I require help to prepare dinner.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “require” translations and entries necessitar, requerer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
