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How to Say ‘I have to go’ in Portuguese

Tenho de ir

teh-nyo deh eer

[teh-nyo deh eer]

💬 Usage Tip: Portugal says tenho de plus a verb for "have to": tenho de trabalhar "I have to work". Tenho que also exists but is more common in Brazil.

Phrase Breakdown

Tenho

[teh-nyo]

I have

A phrase used to express possession or a state of being.

Example

Tenho alergia a certos tipos de leite.

I have an allergy to certain types of milk.

[deh]

(part of 'ter de')

In 'ter de' + infinitive 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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