Portuguese Phrase
Talvez a gente precise de um faz-tudo.
Meaning
This phrase is used to suggest that professional help or a jack-of-all-trades is necessary to fix something. It uses the colloquial 'a gente' to mean 'we' and employs the subjunctive mood to express uncertainty.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing home repairs, broken appliances, or maintenance tasks that are beyond your DIY skills. It is common in informal settings with family, friends, or roommates.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Talveza genteprecisedeumfaz-tudo
Talvez & Subjunctive
When starting a sentence with 'talvez' to express uncertainty, the following verb usually moves into the subjunctive mood (precise).
A gente
This is the most common way to say 'we' in spoken Brazilian Portuguese; it takes a singular verb conjugation (third person singular).
Precisar de
In Portuguese, the verb 'precisar' (to need) is a transitive indirect verb, meaning it almost always requires the preposition 'de'.
🗨In Conversation
A torneira da cozinha ainda está pingando.
The kitchen faucet is still dripping.
Talvez a gente precise de um faz-tudo.
Maybe we need a handyman.
✕Common Mistakes
Talvez a gente precisa de um faz-tudo.
After the word 'talvez' (maybe), you must use the subjunctive form 'precise' to indicate doubt or possibility.
Talvez a gente precise um faz-tudo.
The verb 'precisar' requires the preposition 'de' when followed by a noun.
↔Alternatives
Talvez precisemos de um faz-tudo.
Maybe we need a handyman (more formal).
Acho que a gente precisa de um faz-tudo.
I think we need a handyman.
Será que precisamos de um faz-tudo?
Do you think we need a handyman?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, the 'faz-tudo' is a very popular figure who performs a variety of small household repairs, from plumbing to electrical work. Unlike in some countries where specialized contractors are always preferred, a reliable 'faz-tudo' is a highly valued contact for most Brazilian households.