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How to Say ‘Well, I have to go.’ in Portuguese

Bem, tenho de ir.

BAYNG teh-nyo deh eer

[BAYNG teh-nyo deh eer]

🇵🇹 In Portugal: Goodbyes at family gatherings in Portugal take a while. Saying this usually starts a round of kisses and messages for absent relatives, so begin early.

Phrase Breakdown

Bem, tenho

BAYNG teh-nyo

Well, I have

'Bem' here is a filler meaning 'well', used to wrap up a conversation. Its nasal ending sounds like 'bayng'. Keep it together with 'tenho' (TAY-nyoo) with only a tiny pause after the comma.

Example

Bem, tenho muito trabalho.

Well, I have a lot of work.

Words in this phrase

Bem

[BAYNG]

Well / OK / Fine

Used to show agreement or to acknowledge information; in conversation at a station: “Bem.” = “Okay.”

Example

Bem, então vou já para a plataforma 6.

Okay, then I’ll go now to platform 6.

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.

de ir.

deh eer

to go.

'De' links 'tenho' to the verb 'ir' (to go). In fast Portuguese speech the two words merge into one sound, 'dir'.

Example

Já está na hora de ir.

It's already time to go.

Words in this phrase

[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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