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How to Say ‘I have to go’ in Portuguese

Tenho de ir

TEN-yoo dih eer

[TEN-yoo dih eer]

💬 Usage Tip: Ter de + an action means "have to": tenho de trabalhar "I have to work". In Portugal you'll also hear ter que with the same meaning.

Phrase Breakdown

Tenho

[TEN-yoo]

I have

First person form of ter meaning I have.

Example

Tenho uma mala para despachar.

I have one suitcase to check in.

[dih]

Preposition used before an infinitive verb after 'precisar'.

Example

Precisamos de confirmar primeiro.

We need to confirm first.

[eer]

to go

The verb used to talk about moving from one place to another.

Example

Podemos ir para um canto mais calmo.

We can go to a quieter corner.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

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