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How to Say ‘You must’ in Portuguese

Deve

deh-veh

[deh-veh]

💬 Usage Tip: deve in Deve conhecer is often softer than a literal "must" — more like "you probably" or "you must, I guess." Portuguese uses it a lot for friendly guesses: Deve ser bom.

Phrase Breakdown

Deve

[deh-veh]

Must/Should

Impose obligation or suggest advisability.

Example

Você deve conhecer este bar agora.

You must know this bar by now.

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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