Portuguese Phrase
Preciso lavar roupa hoje.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct way to express a daily chore or necessity. It uses the first-person conjugation of 'precisar' (to need) followed by the infinitive 'lavar' (to wash) and the noun 'roupa' (clothing).
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing your plans for the day or explaining why you are busy with household chores. It is appropriate for casual and informal settings with friends or family.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Precisolavarroupahoje
Preciso
The 'o' ending indicates the first-person singular (I). The pronoun 'Eu' is often omitted in spoken Portuguese.
Lavar
This is the infinitive form. When two verbs are used together, the second one is generally not conjugated.
Roupa
While it literally means 'clothing', the singular 'roupa' is used collectively to mean 'laundry'.
🗨In Conversation
Você quer ir ao shopping agora?
Do you want to go to the mall now?
Não posso, preciso lavar roupa hoje.
I can't, I need to do laundry today.
✕Common Mistakes
Preciso de lavar roupa hoje.
In Brazilian Portuguese, when 'precisar' is followed by a verb, the preposition 'de' is usually omitted.
Eu preciso lavo roupa hoje.
The second verb in a verb chain must remain in the infinitive form 'lavar'.
↔Alternatives
Tenho que lavar roupa hoje.
I have to do laundry today.
Vou lavar roupa hoje.
I am going to do laundry today.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, many people wash clothes frequently because of the heat. Most homes have a dedicated 'área de serviço' (service area) where the washing machine and clotheslines are located.