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How to Say ‘I have to go’ in Portuguese

Tenho de ir

TEN-yoo duh eer

[TEN-yoo duh eer]

💬 Usage Tip: In Portugal, "have to" is tenho de followed by the verb. tenho que is the Brazilian habit, though you'll hear it occasionally here too.

Phrase Breakdown

Tenho

[TEN-yoo]

I have

First person singular of 'ter'; used to form compound expressions about recent experience.

Example

Tenho tentado dormir mais cedo.

I have been trying to sleep earlier.

[duh]

to (have to)

In 'ter de' + verb, it expresses obligation: 'have to'.

Example

Tenho de trabalhar amanhã.

I have to work tomorrow.

[eer]

to go

Indicates movement from one place to another.

Example

Vou ir ao supermercado.

I am going to the supermarket.

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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