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How to Say ‘There was no need’ in Portuguese

Não era preciso

nowng EH-rah preh-SEE-zoo

[nowng EH-rah preh-SEE-zoo]

Phrase Breakdown

Não

[nowng]

no / not

A negative word used to deny or negate something.

Example

Não temos valet, mas há estacionamento perto.

We do not have valet, but there is parking nearby.

era

[EH-rah]

it was

Imperfect past of 'ser'; 'não era preciso' = there was no need.

Example

Era um dia bonito.

It was a beautiful day.

preciso

[preh-SEE-zoo]

necessary

Adjective here, meaning needed; 'é preciso' = it is necessary.

Example

Não é preciso pagar.

It's not necessary to pay.

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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