Portuguese Phrase
Tenho que ir ao mercado.
Meaning
This phrase expresses a necessity or obligation to visit a grocery store or market. It uses the structure 'ter que' followed by an infinitive to indicate something that must be done. In Portuguese, 'mercado' is a versatile word for various types of food shops.
When to use
Use this when you need to run errands or buy food. It is a common daily expression used in casual and semi-formal contexts when informing someone of your plans.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tenhoqueiraomercado
Ter que
This construction is used to express obligation or necessity, equivalent to 'have to' in English.
Contraction 'Ao'
The preposition 'a' (to) merges with the masculine article 'o' (the) to form 'ao'.
🗨In Conversation
Você quer ir ao cinema hoje?
Do you want to go to the cinema today?
Não posso, tenho que ir ao mercado.
I can't, I have to go to the market.
✕Common Mistakes
Tenho ir ao mercado.
Always include 'que' after 'tenho' when expressing an obligation or necessity.
Eu tenho que ir no mercado.
While common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese, 'ao' is the grammatically correct preposition for movement to a place.
↔Alternatives
Preciso ir ao supermercado.
I need to go to the supermarket.
Vou fazer compras.
I'm going to do some shopping.
Cultural Tip
In many Portuguese-speaking regions, people visit the 'mercado' or 'feira' daily for fresh bread and produce. While 'supermercado' refers to large chains, the 'mercado' is often the heart of the neighborhood social life.