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How to Say ‘You didn't have to!’ in Portuguese

Não era preciso!

NOWN EH-rah preh-SEE-zoo

[NOWN EH-rah preh-SEE-zoo]

Phrase Breakdown

Não

[NOWN]

not

Used to negate the meaning of a word or group of words.

Example

Não quero comer agora.

I don't want to eat now.

era

[EH-rah]

it was

Imperfect past of 'ser' (to be), third person singular.

Example

Era uma casa bonita.

It was a pretty house.

preciso

[preh-SEE-zoo]

necessary

Adjective meaning needed; 'não era preciso' = 'you shouldn't have'.

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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