Portuguese Phrase
Preciso mover dinheiro.
Meaning
Literally, ‘I need to move money.’ In everyday Portuguese it usually refers to transferring funds from one account to another, or physically taking cash to another place. The phrase is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are talking about personal or business finances – e.g., planning a bank transfer, moving cash to a safe, or reallocating money between budgets. It is common in conversations about banking, investments, or everyday errands involving cash.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Precisomoverdinheiro.
Preciso (verbo precisar)
‘Preciso’ is the first‑person singular present of ‘precisar’, meaning ‘to need’. It functions as a main verb and does not require a preposition before an infinitive.
mover (infinitivo)
The infinitive ‘mover’ means ‘to move, to transfer’. In this construction it follows ‘preciso’ directly, forming a verb‑infinitive phrase.
dinheiro (substantivo)
‘dinheiro’ is the noun for ‘money’. No article is needed because the verb ‘precisar’ already implies a generic, indefinite amount.
🗨In Conversation
Preciso mover dinheiro para a conta de investimento.
I need to move money to the investment account.
Claro, posso fazer a transferência agora mesmo.
Sure, I can make the transfer right now.
✕Common Mistakes
Preciso de mover dinheiro.
The verb ‘precisar’ does not take the preposition ‘de’ before an infinitive.
Preciso mover o dinheiro.
Adding the definite article ‘o’ changes the meaning to a specific amount already known, which is not the usual neutral way to express the need.
Preciso mover dinheiroes.
‘Dinheiro’ is an uncountable noun; it never takes a plural ending.
↔Alternatives
Tenho que transferir dinheiro.
I have to transfer money.
Preciso fazer uma transferência.
I need to make a transfer.
É necessário mover o dinheiro.
It is necessary to move the money.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, the verb ‘transferir’ is more common when talking about electronic bank transfers, while ‘mover dinheiro’ sounds a bit broader and can also refer to physically moving cash. When speaking with a bank representative, using ‘transferir’ or ‘fazer uma transferência’ will sound more professional.