Portuguese Phrase
A gente precisa terminar isso.
Meaning
Literally, "We need to finish this." The sentence uses the informal subject "a gente" and expresses a shared obligation to complete something that is currently being discussed or is in front of both speakers.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual conversation with friends, classmates, or coworkers when you want to stress that the group must finish a task. It is too informal for formal documents, business letters, or presentations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Agenteprecisaterminarisso.
A gente
Colloquial equivalent of "nós" (we). It always takes third‑person singular verb agreement.
precisa
Third‑person singular present of the verb "precisar" (to need). Used after "a gente".
infinitive after precisar
When "precisar" means "to need to", it is followed by an infinitive verb (terminar).
isso
Demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" (referring to something near the listener or already mentioned).
🗨In Conversation
A gente precisa terminar isso antes da reunião.
We need to finish this before the meeting.
Certo, vamos dividir as partes e começar agora.
Alright, let's split the parts and start now.
✕Common Mistakes
A gente precisamos terminar isso.
When using "a gente", the verb must stay in third‑person singular; "a gente precisamos" is incorrect.
A gente precisa terminar isto.
"Isto" refers to something far from both speakers; here the object is close or already mentioned, so "isso" is appropriate.
A gente precisa terminamos isso.
After "precisar", the following verb must be in the infinitive, not conjugated.
↔Alternatives
Nós precisamos terminar isso.
We need to finish this.
Temos que terminar isso.
We have to finish this.
Precisamos terminar isso.
We need to finish this.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, "a gente" is the most common way to say "we" in everyday speech, even among adults. It sounds friendly and relaxed, but it is considered too informal for academic papers, official reports, or when speaking to someone you need to show respect to (e.g., a boss you don't know well). In Portugal, speakers tend to use "nós" more often, and "a gente" can sound overly colloquial.