Portuguese Phrase
É preciso uma assinatura.
Meaning
The sentence states that a signature is required. It is often used in formal or semi‑formal situations such as signing contracts, filling out forms, or completing paperwork.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to tell someone that a document cannot be processed without a signature, for example at a bank, a notary office, or when completing an online form that still requires a handwritten sign‑off.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Éprecisoumaassinatura.
É preciso (impersonal)
The construction "É preciso" uses the verb "ser" + the adjective "preciso" to mean "it is necessary"; the adjective stays in masculine singular regardless of the noun that follows.
Indefinite article "uma"
"uma" is the feminine singular indefinite article that matches the gender of "assinatura".
Noun "assinatura"
"assinatura" means "signature" and is a feminine noun; it can be singular or plural depending on context.
🗨In Conversation
Preciso entregar o contrato hoje.
I need to hand in the contract today.
É preciso uma assinatura antes de enviá‑lo.
A signature is required before you send it.
✕Common Mistakes
Eu preciso uma assinatura.
"Preciso" here is the first‑person verb meaning "I need"; the correct impersonal form is "É preciso".
É precisa uma assinatura.
In the impersonal construction the adjective stays masculine singular; do not change it to "precisa".
É preciso o assinatura.
The article must agree with the noun's gender: use "uma" for the feminine "assinatura".
↔Alternatives
É necessária uma assinatura.
A signature is necessary.
Precisa de assinatura.
It needs a signature.
É preciso assinar.
You need to sign.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, most official paperwork still demands a handwritten signature, even when the document is processed digitally. When you hear "É preciso uma assinatura", the speaker is usually referring to a physical sign‑off. In more bureaucratic settings you might also hear "É imprescindível" (it is indispensable) for extra emphasis.