Portuguese Phrase
Me diz o que eu tenho que fazer.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct request for instructions or guidance. It combines the imperative form of the verb 'dizer' (to tell) with the common Portuguese construction for obligation, 'ter que' (to have to). It signals that the speaker is ready to act but needs specific direction.
When to use
Use this phrase in professional or personal settings when you are uncertain about your responsibilities or next steps. It is particularly useful during onboarding at a new job, when collaborating on a project, or when seeking advice from a mentor.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Medizo queeutenho quefazer
Me diz
In Brazil, placing the pronoun 'me' before the verb is the standard way to speak informally, despite formal rules.
Tenho que
This is a fixed expression used to indicate necessity, followed by a verb in its base (infinitive) form.
🗨In Conversation
Precisamos terminar este relatório até as cinco horas.
We need to finish this report by five o'clock.
Com certeza. Me diz o que eu tenho que fazer.
For sure. Tell me what I have to do.
✕Common Mistakes
Me diz o que eu tenho fazer.
In Portuguese, the verb 'ter' requires the conjunction 'que' to express obligation before an infinitive.
Me diz o que eu faz.
After the auxiliary 'tenho que', you must use the infinitive form 'fazer' rather than a conjugated form.
↔Alternatives
O que eu devo fazer?
What should I do?
Quais são as instruções?
What are the instructions?
Me oriente sobre o próximo passo.
Guide me on the next step.
Cultural Tip
In spoken Brazilian Portuguese, it is extremely common to start sentences with object pronouns like 'Me', even though formal grammar rules often suggest 'Diz-me'. Using 'Me diz' makes you sound like a local and fits perfectly in casual to semi-formal conversations.